15 Free Programs for High School Students in Maryland
Structured programs can be a smart way to spend your time in high school, especially if you are trying to prepare yourself for college admissions and long-term career goals. These programs can offer you the platform and foundation to build practical skills, explore industries, and learn how professionals actually work. Some of these programs are also free or financial support, allowing you to focus on learning and making programs accessible without the financial barrier.
Why should you attend a program in Maryland?
Maryland is home to research universities, national labs, healthcare systems, and technical training centers, including Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, which host various free programs for high schoolers. Here, you will find opportunities in research, engineering, healthcare, math, and professional development. Depending on the program, you may intern in a hospital, work in a lab, explore actuarial science, or train for careers in engineering. If you live in Maryland, these programs give you access to local institutions that admissions officers already recognize. If you are out of state but want to experience Maryland’s research and educational environment, these programs can be a solid option.
Below, we have listed 15 free programs for high school students in Maryland.
If you’re looking for online STEM research programs, check out our blog here.
1. Johns Hopkins University’s Biophysics Research for Baltimore Teens (BRBT)
Location: Johns Hopkins University Homewood Campus, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend of $15/hour typically offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 7 – August 7
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Baltimore City Public School rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors living within Baltimore City
BRBT offers Baltimore high schoolers paid, hands-on research experience within Johns Hopkins labs. As a participant, you will work alongside graduate students, postdocs, and faculty on research activities and learn biophysics research techniques in the process. The program begins with classroom preparation covering core biomedical concepts before moving on to hands-on exposure to microbiology methods and DNA protein engineering. Over the course of five weeks, you will learn how to use advanced lab instruments in a supervised teaching lab environment and build a foundation in research.
2. Veritas AI Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10 – 15-week cohorts run several times each year
Application deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply here.
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship typically accepts previous AI Scholar participants or those with some experience working with AI or Python.
Veritas AI offers multiple learning opportunities focused on artificial intelligence exploration. These programs have been developed and executed by Harvard graduate students and alumni. If applying to the beginner-friendly AI Scholars program, you will attend 10 sessions that introduce you to Python and key machine learning, AI, and data science concepts. You can also opt for the AI Fellowship program, which offers you mentorship from AI practitioners or researchers to help you develop your own unique project. You can check out past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. ASPIRE @ Johns Hopkins University APL
Location: Virtual or Johns Hopkins APL, Laurel, MD
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Less than 10% applicants accepted/year
Application deadline: February 15
Dates: June 23 – August 21
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, ages 15 and up, with a minimum GPA of 2.8, who are permanent residents of specific Maryland, D.C., and Virginia-based regions (check detailed criteria here)
As an ASPIRE participant, you will be matched with a mentor at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory to work on a technical project aligned with your interests. Placements typically span areas like engineering, computer science, or biomedical research, depending on mentor availability. You will collaborate with professionals, attend check-ins, and build teamwork skills. At the end of ASPIRE, you will attend a showcase event to present your work and complete and submit a poster. Some placements are virtual, though onboarding may be conducted in person.
4. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation’s Breakthrough Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12-week cohorts each year; spring, summer, winter, and fall sessions available
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate high levels of academic achievement and financial hardship
The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation is a nonprofit research initiative for academically gifted students from low-income backgrounds. Stemming from the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, which offers one-on-one research experiences, the foundation provides the same access to independent research opportunities at no cost. The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. As a participant, you will work with a Ph.D. mentor on a one-on-one basis to design and complete an independent research paper. You can choose from a wide range of research areas, including social sciences, psychology, data science, physics, economics, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and international relations.
5. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD (locations can vary by year)
Cost: Free + additional financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 21 – July 25
Application deadline: December 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (rising juniors and seniors), ages 15 – 17; open to U.S. and international students.
TASS is a tuition-free, competitive residential program conducted on a university campus each summer. As a participant, you will engage in seminars in the humanities and social sciences, along with discussions, analytical essay writing, and examination of social issues. You will explore themes in literature, art, history, politics, and systems of power through collaborative, faculty-led dialogue. In addition to academics, TASS focuses on shared governance and community responsibility, encouraging you to participate in collective decision-making and to organize activities while living on a university campus with peers. You will also gain experience in applying principles of justice within a democratic living setup.
6. Summer Academic Research Experience (SARE) @ Johns Hopkins
Location: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine's East Baltimore Campus, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend provided upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 22 – August 13
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school freshmen to seniors from households with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty limit; applicants must be U.S. citizens
SARE is an eight-week program that allows high school students to participate in biomedical research in the Johns Hopkins labs while receiving structured academic support and tutoring. You will spend your summer conducting research while also strengthening your math, writing, and analytical skills. The program offers mentorship to work on daily assignments and personal development. You may also get recognized as co-authors on published scientific papers for your summer contributions.
7. NIST Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)
Location: NIST campuses in Boulder, CO, or Gaithersburg, MD
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~10.4%; around 35 students/year
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application deadline: January 26
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0/4.0; applicants must live within a 50-mile radius of their host campus.
SHIP is a free seven-week research internship that places you in a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) lab to work with scientists and engineers on research projects. You will join one of several laboratories, with options including the Engineering Laboratory, Physical Measurement Laboratory, Information Technology Laboratory, and Communications Technology Laboratory. Depending on your placement, you will contribute to projects focused on wireless communications, computer security, cryptography, machine learning, engineering advanced manufacturing technologies, semiconductor materials, nanotechnology, or quantum-based measurement technologies. Throughout the internship, you will apply data analysis, experiment design, and tech skills while participating in ongoing research. At the end of the program, you will present your work as a poster.
8. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Various labs across the U.S., including in MD
Stipend: $4,000 for new participants | $4,500 for returning participants
Cohort size: ~300 students/year; Maryland-specific numbers not available
Application deadline: November 1; applications open on August 1
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are 16 or older; labs may have additional requirements
SEAP is a research-based program that places high school students in advanced naval labs. During the eight-week program, you will learn about naval science and engineering research while working alongside scientists within your assigned lab. You will contribute to research projects and learn about careers in naval research and tech. The exact responsibilities will vary by lab. SEAP also offers professional development opportunities, including shadowing and connecting with researchers and other professionals, and attending seminars, meetings, and presentations.
9. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Opportunities throughout the U.S., including in Texas. You will be assigned a mentor in your area within a 45-minute distance from your home.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $3,000 stipend available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer; dates are flexible and set by mentors and students
Application deadline: January 25
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and graduating seniors who are at least 16 years old and live in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is a free, stipend-based program for high school students interested in fisheries and aquatic science. As a Hutton Scholar, you will work closely with fisheries professionals on projects focusing on habitat restoration, protection, and management. The program offers insights into the life of a fisheries biologist and offers exposure to career paths in the animal and aquatic sciences. Additionally, you will work on tasks such as conducting fish population surveys, electrofishing, examining aquatic specimens, and processing data. Also part of the program is an all-expense-paid four-night trip to the program summit, where you will connect with peers and explore fisheries as a future career. You will also present your project at the end of the internship.
10. ESTEEM/SER-Quest Summer Program @ University of Maryland
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 7 – 31
Application deadline: March 29
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders with a GPA of 3.2 or higher and no C’s in math or science; applicants must have completed trigonometry, chemistry, and pre-calculus with a B or better, and should have completed Pre-Calculus by the summer.
ESTEEM/SER-Quest is a four-week engineering research experience designed for high schoolers looking for structured academic training and an opportunity to work on a real research project. You will conduct literature reviews, prepare a research proposal, and work with faculty and student mentors. The program runs full-time on weekdays and includes workshops focused on career readiness. You will build technical writing and presentation skills while exploring STEM pathways.
11. University of Maryland’s MathQuantum High School Fellowship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 high school students/year
Dates: Two weeks in July; dates TBA in February
Application deadline: February 13
Eligibility: High school students
This program connects high schoolers to the MathQuantum Research Group at the University of Maryland for two weeks in the summer. You will complete a mini research project in mathematics and quantum information science. You will also attend workshops focused on research skills, proposal writing, and quantum computing fundamentals. You will interact with faculty, graduate mentors, and peers interested in advanced math topics. At the end of two weeks, you will present your MathQuantum mini-project to peers and faculty.
12. University of Maryland’s WIE RISE! An Introduction to Engineering Research
Location: Virtual
Cost: $25 with waivers available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 27 – 31
Application deadline: Rolling; recommended deadline for best consideration: April 25
Eligibility: Rising 9th – 12th graders
The WIE RISE! is a virtual program that introduces high schoolers to engineering research through guided online learning and mentorship from Maryland Engineering students. The program is designed to encourage women in engineering but remains open to all. You will read scientific papers, engage in at-home experiments, and attend virtual lab tours over the course of a week. As a participant, you will also hear directly from college students about career and research pathways.
13. Morgan State University’s Summer Academy of Actuarial and Mathematical Sciences (SAAMS)
Location: Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: Free + stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive (selection based on application + interview)
Dates: June 29 – July 24
Application deadline: Priority deadline: February 28; General deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders and incoming freshmen at Morgan State University
SAAMS is a free four-week program designed to help students build academic skills in actuarial science, mathematics, and computer science before college. You will attend college-style courses and workshops virtually and at Morgan State University and develop study strategies to prepare for advanced math-focused academics. The program also emphasizes leadership and teamwork, allowing you to work with peers on academic activities. Professional development seminars and program-related field trips are also part of the SAAMS experience.
14. University of Maryland’s WIE are Makers–Robot Cars Workshop
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Cost: $10 with financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: One-day workshop held multiple times each year
Application deadline: None; registrations accepted on a first-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 12
The University of Maryland’s Women in Engineering (WIE) Program offers a range of free and low-cost opportunities for students interested in exploring engineering as a career. The WIE are Makers: Robot Cars is a one-day event that is designed to help you learn about robotics engineering through hands-on projects. Led by Maryland’s Engineering and IEEE@UMD students, the workshop introduces microcontrollers and Arduino. As a participant, you will work on a challenge in which you will program a Keyestudio robotic car and, finally, share your work with peers.
15. Baltimore Alliance for Careers in Healthcare (BACH) Fellows Internship Program
Location: Multiple healthcare institutions in Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend available for interns
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 35 – 60 local students/year
Dates: Five weeks in the summer
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th-grade students
BACH’s youth programs place high schoolers within real hospitals and medical centers for shadowing and internship opportunities. As a BACH Fellow, you will observe clinical operations, patient care systems, and hospital workflows over the course of five weeks. You will also learn about allied health occupations and medical technology while developing job skills during the program. The program offers support to plan a path to college, certification/licensed training, or healthcare workplaces. Throughout the program, you will have access to a full-time Baltimore City CTE teacher–mentor who will provide on-the-job guidance, supervision, and weekly professional development workshops.
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