14 Science Programs for High School Students in Maryland
Science programs can be a valuable way to explore subjects beyond what is typically available in high school courses. Through research projects, laboratory activities, and guided academic experiences, you can deepen your understanding of scientific concepts while developing skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and scientific communication. Many programs also provide opportunities to learn from researchers, professors, and industry professionals, giving you insight into how scientific work is conducted across different fields. Whether you're interested in biology, chemistry, environmental science, engineering, or emerging technologies, these programs can help you explore potential academic and career interests.
Why should you attend a Science program in Maryland?
Maryland offers a particularly strong environment for STEM learning, with access to well-established universities and research institutions. You will find programs hosted by organizations such as Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland, and the National Institutes of Health, all of which are known for their contributions to scientific research. These programs can give you exposure to advanced labs, ongoing research projects, and professionals working at the forefront of their fields. Whether you are a local student looking to take advantage of nearby resources or someone from outside the area seeking a rigorous academic experience, Maryland offers a range of accessible and reputable options.
To help you get started, we’ve narrowed down a list of 14 science programs for high school students in Maryland.
If you’re looking for programs in Maryland, check out our blog here.
1. ASPIRE – Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Location: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: <10%
Dates: June 23 – August 21
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors, 15+ by June 1, with a minimum 2.8 GPA, residing in select Maryland, Virginia, or D.C. counties, able to commit to 30-40 hours/week; U.S. citizens only
Among the more intensive science programs for high school students in Maryland, the ASPIRE internship at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory offers a structured, full-time summer research experience. In this program, you will be paired with a professional mentor and contribute to real-world STEM projects, working through technical challenges and developing both analytical and communication skills. You will spend your time solving problems, collaborating with APL staff, and learning how scientific work is conducted in a professional environment. At the end of the program, you will present your work during a capstone showcase, giving you the opportunity to explain your project and findings. This is one of the most immersive science programs for high school students in Maryland, requiring a commitment of 30-40 hours/week in a fully equipped, state-of-the-art laboratory.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12-15 week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students looking to get started in AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and have the opportunity to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students have the opportunity to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Biophysics Research for Baltimore Teens – Johns Hopkins
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Stipend: Stipend amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 7 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising 10-12th-grade students
The BRBT program at Johns Hopkins University is built around an interdisciplinary approach that brings together multiple scientific disciplines to study life at a molecular level. Over five weeks, you will work in a high-tech teaching lab and gain experience with tools and techniques used in modern biomedical research. Early in the program, you will learn how to prepare reagents and handle lab materials before moving on to more advanced work, such as microbiology methods, DNA manipulation, and protein engineering. You will also spend time in active research labs alongside graduate students and researchers, giving you exposure to how scientific work is conducted in professional settings. In addition to lab work, you will attend classes that explain the scientific concepts behind your experiments, helping you connect theory with practice. The program combines structured coursework with hands-on lab experience, allowing you to build both technical skills and scientific understanding over time.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Science Track
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, with options running from 12 weeks to 1 year
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for spring, summer, fall, and winter cohorts
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students demonstrating a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Summer Academic Research Experience (SARE) – Johns Hopkins
Location: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, East Baltimore, MD
Stipend: $3,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – August 13
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students from households earning ≤200% of the federal poverty level; additional criteria may include being a first-generation college student or attending a low-income high school
The SARE program at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine is designed to provide students from under-resourced backgrounds with access to research environments. Over the course of eight weeks, you will work in a biomedical research lab while also taking structured courses in areas such as scientific writing, data analysis, mathematics, and bioethics. The program blends hands-on lab experience with academic support, helping you strengthen both technical skills and foundational knowledge. You will interact regularly with mentors and researchers, gaining insight into how scientific teams collaborate and communicate. Along the way, you may contribute to ongoing research projects, with some students earning acknowledgment or co-authorship depending on their involvement.
6. Summer Internship Program (SIP) – National Cancer Institute
Location: NIH campuses in Bethesda, Shady Grove, or Frederick, MD
Cost/Stipend: Stipend depends on academic level
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Minimum 8 weeks between May and September
Application Deadline: February 18
Eligibility: High school seniors aged 18+
Research at the intersection of biology, medicine, and data plays a central role in the Summer Internship Program offered by the National Cancer Institute as part of the broader National Institutes of Health initiative. During this internship, you will spend at least eight weeks working alongside an NCI researcher, contributing to ongoing projects in areas such as cancer biology, epidemiology, genomics, or biostatistics. Your work may involve analyzing data, assisting with experiments, or supporting clinical and translational research efforts, depending on your assigned lab. In addition to lab work, you will have access to seminars, lectures, and the NIH Summer Seminar Series, which introduces current developments in biomedical research. You will also be encouraged to participate in Poster Day, where interns present their research to the broader NIH community.
7. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Department of Navy laboratories nationwide; Maryland and D.C.-area labs include Naval Research Laboratory, Naval Air Warfare Center, and others
Cost: Free; $4,000 stipend for new participants; $4,500 for returning participants; paid bi-weekly via direct deposit
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~300 placements across 38+ labs nationwide; competitive
Dates: Eight weeks during the summer; up to two additional weeks possible
Application Deadline: November 1; applications open August 1
Eligibility: U.S. citizens currently enrolled in high school who have completed at least 9th grade; ages 16+ by internship start date; graduating seniors eligible; some labs make exceptions for age, grade, and citizenship requirements
SEAP places high school students in active Department of Navy research laboratories for eight weeks, where they work alongside Navy scientists and engineers on real research projects. Students select their preferred labs from a list of 38+ facilities when applying, with placements determined by the labs themselves based on academic achievement, personal statements, recommendations, and research interests. Research areas vary by lab and have included materials science, oceanography, cybersecurity, chemistry, and engineering systems. Many participants go on to pursue careers within the Department of Navy, and returning participants are eligible for a higher stipend in subsequent summers.
8. Student Preparation to Advance Robotics in College (SPARC) Certificate Program – University of Maryland
Location: University of Maryland, MD
Cost/Stipend: $5,000; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session 1: July 6 – 24 | Session 2: July 27 – August 14
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: 10-12th grade students
One of the more structured, topic-focused science programs for high school students in Maryland, the SPARC Certificate Program at the University of Maryland introduces you to emerging areas in robotics and automation. You will choose a specific track, such as machine learning, drones, or bio-inspired robotics, and spend 3 weeks working through hands-on projects tied to that subject. Throughout the program, you will explore how robotic systems are designed and applied while developing technical skills in areas such as programming, modeling, and engineering design. You can expect to collaborate with peers during daily sessions and engage in guided activities that simulate real-world engineering challenges. While prior robotics experience is not required, you will be expected to show initiative and curiosity as you work through increasingly complex concepts.
9. CPSE Summer Program – University of Maryland
Location: University of Maryland, Rockville, MD
Cost: $200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 50 students
Dates: July 13 – August 14
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school, community college, or university students with basic programming experience
Engineering-focused science programs for high school students in Maryland often emphasize building and testing systems, and this Cyber-Physical Systems Engineering (CPSE) program reflects that approach. Hosted by the University of Maryland at its Shady Grove campus, you will spend five weeks working on projects that combine hardware and software. You will explore topics such as electronics, sensors, microcontrollers, and programming, while also learning how these components come together in real-world systems, such as IoT devices. The program includes hands-on work with tools like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and NVIDIA Jetson Nano boards, allowing you to prototype and test your ideas. You will collaborate with peers to move from initial concepts to functional designs, culminating in a Demo Day where projects are presented. A defining feature is the full project lifecycle experience, from ideation and team formation to rapid prototyping and final showcase, giving you a comprehensive understanding of an engineering project.
10. Summer Institute in Environmental Health and Engineering – Johns Hopkins
Location: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: Tuition depends on the course; a non-credit option is available at ~50% reduced tuition
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple sessions throughout the summer, dates depend on the course
Application Deadline: Varies by course
Eligibility: Open to students and professionals
If you’re interested in how science connects to public health and environmental systems, the Summer Institute in Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health offers a course-based experience. You will enroll in short, intensive classes focused on environmental health science, safety, and the impact of environmental factors on human populations. The structure is flexible, allowing you to take courses for academic credit or as a non-credit participant, depending on your goals. During the program, you will attend lectures and complete coursework similar to that encountered by graduate-level public health students, gaining exposure to both theoretical and applied concepts. You will also have access to university resources, including research libraries and campus facilities, which can support deeper exploration of topics.
11. Fire Protection Engineering Design Challenge – University of Maryland
Location: Mount St. Joseph’s Catholic High School, Baltimore + University of Maryland fire labs, MD
Cost/Stipend: $350
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – 10
Application Deadline: June 29
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The Fire Protection Engineering Design Challenge offers a focused, project-based experience if you’re interested in pursuing hands-on design and applied engineering. Hosted in collaboration with the University of Maryland and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers Chesapeake Chapter, you will work in a small team to design and build a model two-room apartment equipped with fire detection and suppression systems. Over the course of the week, you will test materials, refine your design, and troubleshoot how different systems respond under simulated conditions. The program emphasizes collaboration, as you and your teammates will divide responsibilities and iterate on your design based on performance. The experience culminates in a “Burn Day” at the University of Maryland fire labs, where your project will be tested in a live competition setting.
12. Notre Dame of Maryland University Pharmacy Summer Camp
Location: Notre Dame of Maryland University, Baltimore, MD
Cost: $500 includes lunch and activities; $500 optional housing fee for dorms and meals
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12
This program introduces you to the combination of science, healthcare, and patient interaction through hands-on activities and guided exploration. Over the course of the week, you will step into a lab setting to create medications while learning how pharmacists contribute to both research and patient care. Sessions will also cover topics like precision medicine and medication therapy management, helping you understand how treatments are tailored to individual patients. You will hear directly from faculty about different career paths within pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, offering insight into both clinical and research roles. A key feature is the opportunity to work in a lab environment while exploring multiple branches of the pharmacy field in a short, focused format.
13. Terp Young Scholars – University of Maryland
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD (commuter); online option also available
Cost: $1,791 (campus); $1,420 (online); partial scholarships available; dual enrollment financial assistance may be available through some school districts
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified; competitive
Dates: July 13 – July 31
Application Deadline: June 1; scholarship application closes April 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th graders through graduating seniors; open to domestic and international students
Terp Young Scholars is a three-week pre-college program at the University of Maryland, where high school students enroll in a single three-credit college course taught by UMD faculty alongside regular undergraduate students. Courses are offered across a wide range of subjects, including environmental health, architecture, geography, business, theatre, and the sciences, with students earning an official UMD transcript grade upon completion. The program is structured to mirror the rigor and independence of college coursework, with students expected to manage their own study time and attend every class session. Credits earned will appear on a UMD transcript and may be transferable, making it one of the more academically consequential pre-college options available in Maryland.
14. AIMI Summer Research Internship – Stanford University
Location: Virtual
Cost: $45 application fee + $2,400 tuition; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session A: June 15 – 26 | Session B: July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: Current high school students aged 14+ residing in the U.S. and attending a U.S. high school
Artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping how healthcare systems diagnose and treat patients, and the AIMI Summer Research Internship at the Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging introduces you to this evolving field through a structured, short-term experience. Over two weeks, you will attend lectures led by Stanford researchers and clinicians while exploring topics such as medical imaging, machine learning fundamentals, and responsible AI use. You will be placed in a small team and guided by mentors to work on a focused research project, where you will learn how to frame questions, interpret datasets, and communicate findings. Dedicated project sessions will give you time to apply technical concepts, while guest speakers from healthcare and industry will provide additional context on real-world applications. The program also includes collaborative and informal activities designed to support peer interaction in a virtual setting.