15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Maryland
If you’re a high school student and want to do something productive during your summer break, you should explore a structured program. Summer programs provide you with the unique opportunity to develop practical skills, explore career interests, and gain early exposure to professional environments. Often hosted by top universities and companies, these programs can help you build networks, enhance your college applications, and gain experience in fields like STEM, finance, and the arts.
Maryland has various top universities, research centers, and organizations that offer programs during the summer. The state’s proximity to Washington, D.C., also adds value by offering access to financial, governmental, and nonprofit sectors for potential field trips or guest speakers. If you’re a Maryland local, you can find a program close to home and save on travel. On the other hand, if you’re an out-of-state student, Maryland offers opportunities to let you explore a different academic environment.
To make the search easier for you, we’ve carefully selected 15 summer programs for high school students in Maryland.
1. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Various labs across the country; Maryland locations include Annapolis, Bethesda, Patuxent River, and Silver Spring
Stipend: $4,000 (first-year interns); $4,500 (returning interns)
Application Deadline: August 1 – November 1
Program Dates: 8 weeks in the summer; Exact dates vary by lab
Eligibility: Academically talented sophomores, juniors, and seniors (16+); Must be U.S. citizens; Specific lab requirements vary
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) provides an eight-week opportunity to work on research projects at a Department of the Navy laboratory during the summer. In this program, you’ll work alongside scientists and engineers, gaining hands-on experience in Naval research and technology. You’ll learn about the tools and methods used in professional science and engineering settings, while developing technical and analytical skills. This experience can help you explore your career interests and add value to your college applications.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; Financial aid offered
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Eligibility: High school students
If you want to learn the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and data science, you can apply to the AI Scholars program offered by Veritas AI, an initiative created by Harvard graduates. The program includes ten online sessions focused on core AI topics and group project work. If you already have experience with Python or AI, or have completed the AI Scholars program, you can apply to the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. This option allows you to work one-on-one with a mentor on an independent research project and prepare your work for submission to high school research journals with support from the in-house publication team.
3. ASPIRE Program
Location: Virtual or in person at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: January 1 – February 15 (tentative, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 24 – August 21
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors at least 15 years old by June 1; U.S. citizens; Minimum 2.8 GPA
The ASPIRE program allows high school students to explore science and engineering by working on real-world projects at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). During the program, you’ll be matched with a mentor and assigned to a project based on your interests, which may include topics like aerospace, artificial intelligence, environmental science, or cybersecurity. You can choose how you contribute to the project , through coding, lab work, design, research, or communication , depending on your skills and goals. Each project is developed to reflect the structure and expectations of a professional STEM setting, with guidance from APL staff throughout the experience.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; Financial aid offered
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; May/June deadlines for summer cohorts
Program Dates: Varies by cohort; Several cohorts each year, including in the summer
Eligibility: High school students with a strong academic background (GPA of 3.3+)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is designed for high school students interested in developing their research skills. You can select from various research fields such as computer science, engineering, social sciences, physics, psychology, data science, and international relations. Based on your chosen field, you will work individually with a Ph.D. mentor on an independent research project. The program concludes with a research paper that you will present at Lumiere’s closing symposium. More information about research areas, program formats, and the application process is available here. You can find details about the mentors affiliated with the program here.
5. Johns Hopkins School of Medicine’s Summer Academic Research Experience (SARE)
Location: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine’s East Baltimore Campus, MD
Cost/Stipend: Free; $3,000 stipend
Application Deadline: November 1 – February 1 (tentative, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 23 – August 14 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school students with a household income that does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty limit; Must be from an educationally under-resourced background
The Summer Academic Research Experience (SARE) is intended for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds who are exploring interests in medicine or biomedical science. During the program, you’ll take part in laboratory activities and gain hands-on experience while working alongside doctoral-level mentors. In addition to lab work, you’ll attend classes in science, math, writing, and bioethics to support your academic development. The program also emphasizes building skills such as public speaking, communication, and networking. You may have the chance to contribute to active research projects, and in some cases, your work could be included in ongoing studies. At the program’s conclusion, you’ll share your findings through a formal presentation.
6. AEOP: Research & Engineering Apprenticeship Program (REAP)
Location: Various universities, including ones in Maryland
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: February 28
Program Dates: 5-8 weeks during the summer
Eligibility: High school students, with a focus on encouraging participation from students traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields
The Research & Engineering Apprenticeship Program (REAP), supported by the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP), offers high school students a chance to participate in research alongside university faculty. At locations such as Morgan State University, you’ll be paired with a mentor and assigned a research project that allows you to apply and expand your understanding of STEM topics. Through this experience, you’ll become familiar with the research process and gain insight into academic and professional environments in science and engineering fields.
7. Maryland DNR Internships
Location: Annapolis, MD, but internships can also be located across the state of Maryland
Stipend: Paid and volunteer internships available
Application Deadline: Varies by internship
Program Dates: 10-12 weeks in June – August (summer) and October – December (fall)
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in high school or college with a minimum 2.5 GPA, or those who have graduated within one year of the internship start date
As a DNR intern, you’ll contribute to a variety of environmental projects taking place across Maryland. Your responsibilities may involve inspecting equipment at marinas, helping with shoreline restoration designs, or gathering biological data from local waterways. The internship emphasizes fieldwork and offers exposure to areas such as conservation, fisheries science, outdoor recreation planning, and environmental education. Throughout the program, you’ll gain experience in research methods, environmental monitoring, and public communication. At the end of your internship, you’ll prepare and deliver a presentation summarizing your work to the Department of Natural Resources staff.
8. Johns Hopkins Biophysics Research for Baltimore Teens
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipend provided
Application Deadline: February 28 (tentative)
Program Dates: July 8 – August 8 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Baltimore City high school students who can commit to five days a week
This research program at Johns Hopkins gives high school students the chance to work in a teaching laboratory using professional-grade equipment. You’ll be guided by two full-time instructors and gain experience with lab techniques that can be useful in future academic or research settings. The program also includes opportunities to work alongside graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty members, offering a realistic view of what a career in biomedical science may involve. In addition to lab activities, you’ll take classes that connect the science behind your work to broader concepts. Johns Hopkins also provides other pre-college programs if you’re interested in exploring different areas of study.
9. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: October 15 – December 3
Program Dates: June 21 – July 25
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (15-18) who identify as Black, Indigenous, or other students of color, as well as those who have faced economic challenges
If you’re a high school sophomore or junior interested in liberal arts, the Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) offers a six-week program focused on critical thinking and community participation. During the seminar, you’ll engage in daily three-hour sessions that include discussions, group work, and lectures led by experienced instructors. You’ll also develop your writing skills through essay assignments. Outside of class, the program encourages collaborative decision-making and group activities, fostering a supportive environment for students with shared interests.
10. Summer Academy of Actuarial and Mathematical Sciences (SAAMS) Program
Location: Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid
Application Deadline: February 28 (priority); April 30 (general)
Program Dates: June 29 – July 24
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors or graduating seniors; Recent high school graduates planning to start classes in the fall at Morgan’s School of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences
The Summer Academy of Actuarial and Mathematical Sciences (SAAMS) is designed for high school students interested in Mathematics, Actuarial Science, and Computer Science. Through the program, you’ll take courses in these subjects to get a sense of the academic work involved in these fields. In addition to classes, the program includes field trips and sessions focused on professional development to help support your learning and growth. Admission to SAAMS is competitive and requires an application and interview.
11. United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar
Location: United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD
Cost: $450
Application Deadline: January 6 – March 31
Program Dates: May 30 – June 4; June 6 – 11; June 13 – 18
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who demonstrate strong academic and extracurricular achievements
The United States Naval Academy (USNA) Summer Seminar is a highly competitive six-day program that introduces high school students to the structure and expectations of life at the Academy. During your time there, you’ll live in Bancroft Hall and follow a daily schedule similar to that of a midshipman. The program includes academic sessions, leadership activities, and physical training, offering a broad look at the academic and military environment of the USNA. You’ll also learn about the application process and explore various educational and extracurricular options available at the Academy. This program is intended for students who are considering applying to the Naval Academy and want to better understand its environment and expectations.
12. University of Maryland: Women in Engineering (WIE) Summer Program
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Cost: $1,500; Scholarships available
Application Deadline: Applications will open mid-January
Program Dates: July 12 – 17
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th grade students
The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland offers a five-day summer program for high school girls interested in exploring engineering. Throughout the week, you’ll take part in hands-on projects, visit labs, and learn from faculty members and current engineering students. Each day focuses on a different branch of engineering, such as aerospace, civil, or mechanical, giving you a broad overview of the field. The program is designed to highlight the collaborative and interdisciplinary aspects of engineering while helping you explore potential areas of interest. It also offers a chance to experience what studying engineering at a university level might be like.
13. Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA): Pre-College Program
Location: Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, MD
Cost: Residential: 2-Week Session ($3,850), 4-Week Session ($7,700); Commuter: 2-Week Session ($2,725), 4-Week Session ($5,450); Need-based financial assistance offered
Application Deadline: January 5 (early); April 30 (final)
Program Dates: 2-week (session 1): June 12 – 25 & (session 2): July 26 – August 8; 4-week session: June 12 – August 8; Check here for commuter dates
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-17
The Pre-College Program at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) offers high school students the chance to focus on their artistic interests while experiencing a college-level environment. The program runs in two- or four-week sessions, with both residential and commuter options available. As a participant, you’ll select a major area of study—2D Animation, Accessory Design, Illustration, Interdisciplinary Art, or Film Photography—and take studio-based classes that reflect the expectations of college coursework. You’ll spend time developing technical skills, exploring creative approaches, and building a portfolio that can support future college applications. The program also gives you a sense of daily life at an art and design college.
14. University of Maryland: Terp Young Scholars Program
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Cost: Commuter: $1,791; Online: $1,420; Financial assistance offered
Application Deadline: June 1
Program Dates: July 13 – 31
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a strong academic record
The Terp Young Scholars Program at the University of Maryland, College Park, offers high school students the opportunity to take part in a three-week academic session during the summer. You can choose to attend as a commuter or participate fully online, depending on your schedule and preference. As part of the program, you’ll enroll in a three-credit undergraduate course and study alongside current university students. A variety of subjects are available, including options in science, technology, humanities, and more. The program is designed to introduce you to the pace and expectations of college-level work while giving you a sense of what it’s like to study at a large research institution.
15. WIE Rise Summer Research Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Applications open mid-January
Program Dates: July 27 – 31
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders
This virtual program was developed by current engineering students at the University of Maryland in collaboration with the RISE Program and Women in Engineering. It is aimed mainly at female high school students entering grades 9 through 12, though students of all gender identities are welcome. Over the course of one week, you’ll explore different areas of engineering through online sessions that showcase the university’s research labs. You’ll also learn skills such as reading and writing scientific research papers, perform simple experiments you can do at home, and have opportunities to engage with undergraduate engineering students.
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