If you are a high school student in Maryland looking to spend your summer building skills and gaining real-world experience, a summer program is a solid option. These programs let you explore fields like STEM, medicine, humanities, and social sciences while gaining practical experience. You’ll have the chance to conduct research, engage in hands-on projects, and receive mentorship from university faculty, all without the financial burden of paid programs.
Through these programs, you can build technical and academic skills that prepare you for college and future careers. You might learn data analysis, lab techniques, scientific writing, or coding, often using industry-specific software and tools.
12 Free Summer Programs for High School Students in Maryland
1. Science and Engineering Research Internship Program (AEOP High School Internships)
The AEOP High School Internships put you right in the middle of advanced research, working with scientists and engineers on real-world projects. You will be analyzing airborne particles using spectroscopic techniques, developing graphene-based supercapacitors, or researching medical countermeasures for chemical threats.
Depending on your placement, you’ll get hands-on experience with lab instrumentation, computational modeling, and experimental design building technical skills that are highly valued in STEM fields. You won’t just observe; you’ll actively contribute to research with practical applications in defense, medicine, or engineering.
Subject Areas: Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Research, Chemistry, Computer Science
Location: Various U.S. Army Research Laboratories and university host sites in Maryland, including Adelphi, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Edgewood, and Ft. Detrick
Cost: Free (includes a stipend)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; applicants must be at least 16 years old for most sites
Program Dates: June – August (varies by site)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
2. Summer Academy of Actuarial and Mathematical Sciences
The Summer Academy of Actuarial and Mathematical Sciences (SAAMS) helps you build a strong foundation in mathematics, actuarial science, and computer science through a mix of coursework, case studies, and hands-on projects. You’ll tackle real-world problems in risk assessment, data analysis, and mathematical modeling while learning to use essential computational tools.
You’ll also participate in field trips and a competition judged by industry professionals, applying what you’ve learned to practical challenges. During the final week, you’ll stay on campus, experiencing college life and collaborating with peers.
Subject Areas: Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Computer Science
Location: Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland
Cost: Free (includes a stipend)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, or recent graduates planning to attend Morgan State University; must have an interest in Mathematics, Actuarial Science, or Computer Science.
Program Dates: June 30 – July 25
Application Deadline: Priority Deadline: February 28; General Deadline: April 30
3. National Summer Transportation Institute
The National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) gives you a hands-on introduction to transportation engineering through projects, industry-led discussions, and site visits to major transportation facilities. In the Introductory Program, you’ll explore key engineering concepts, learn about transportation infrastructure, and build problem-solving skills through interactive activities.
The Advanced Program offers a deeper experience with complex transportation projects and a residential component where you’ll stay on campus. Both programs combine STEM-focused learning with SAT prep, college readiness workshops, and mentorship from faculty and industry professionals.
Subject Areas: Transportation Engineering, Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, STEM Education
Location: Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Introductory Program – Grades 7-12, 2.5+ GPA; Advanced Program – Grades 9-12, 3.0+ GPA and prior NSTI participation.
Program Dates: Introductory Program: June 30 – July 11: Advanced Program: July 21 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 30
4. Biophysics Research for Baltimore Teens (BRBT)
Biophysics Research for Baltimore Teens (BRBT) gives you hands-on biomedical research experience in a high-tech teaching lab at Johns Hopkins University. You’ll use state-of-the-art research instruments, and learn microbiology techniques, DNA and protein engineering, and experimental design with guidance from university instructors.
The program combines lab work and coursework, helping you strengthen critical thinking and understand the science behind your experiments. You’ll also connect with graduate students, postdocs, and faculty, gaining insight into careers in biomedical research.
Subject Areas: Biophysics, Biomedical Research, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, DNA and Protein Engineering
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
Cost: Free (includes a stipend)
Eligibility: High school students in Baltimore City; must apply through the Johns Hopkins Summer Jobs Program and YouthWorks
Program Dates: Mid-July – Mid-August
Application Deadline: February 28
5. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
The Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) is a discussion-based academic program focused on power, privilege, and social structures through humanities and social science seminars. You can choose between TASS-CBS (Critical Black Studies), exploring the history, politics, and cultural contributions of people of African descent, or TASS-AOS (Anti-Oppressive Studies), examining systemic oppression and social transformation.
Each weekday, you’ll join a three-hour college-level seminar, writing essays and analyzing texts, films, and artworks. Outside class, you’ll take part in democratic decision-making, community projects, and transformative justice practices while living in a close-knit residential environment.
Subject Areas: Critical Black Studies, Anti-Oppressive Studies, Humanities, Social Sciences
Location: Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) and University of Maryland (College Park, MD)
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (ages 15-18); open to U.S. and international students
Program Dates: June 22 – July 26
Application Deadline: December 3
6. ASPIRE by the Johns Hopkins University
ASPIRE by Johns Hopkins University gives you a hands-on internship with APL scientists and engineers, tackling real-world STEM challenges. You’ll gain experience in research, programming, engineering design, data analysis, and technical writing while working on projects in areas like artificial intelligence, space systems, cybersecurity, robotics, and biomedical engineering.
You’ll develop specific skills like Python programming, MATLAB modeling, 3D CAD design, and machine learning applications. The program concludes with a final research presentation, where you will showcase your projects to the faculty and industry professionals.
Subject Areas: Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics
Location: Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), Laurel, Maryland (in-person and virtual options available)
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (at least 15 years old) with a minimum 2.8 GPA; must be U.S. citizens and reside in select Maryland and Virginia counties or Washington, D.C.
Program Dates: Late June – Mid-August (minimum 190 hours over 6-9 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 15 (applications open January 1)
7. ESTEEM/SER-Quest Summer Program
ESTEEM/SER-Quest is a four-week intensive research program introducing high school seniors to college-level engineering research. You’ll work on a research project, develop a proposal, and gain hands-on experience in an engineering lab, mentored by faculty and students from the A. James Clark School of Engineering.
You’ll learn technical skills like data analysis, experimental design, and lab techniques while strengthening your scientific writing and presentation abilities. As a commuter program, you’ll attend daily sessions on campus, take departmental tours, and join interactive activities like scavenger hunts and NASA site visits.
Subject Areas: Engineering Research, STEM, College Preparation
Location: University of Maryland, College Park (commuter-only)
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (12th grade) interested in engineering; must submit an application, essay, transcript, and teacher recommendations.
Program Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 25
8. Summer Academic Research Experience (SARE)
The Summer Academic Research Experience (SARE) is an eight-week research internship placing you in a Johns Hopkins biomedical lab, working alongside PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. You’ll conduct hands-on experiments, develop skills in molecular biology techniques, data analysis, and experimental design, and take courses in scientific writing, bioethics, and statistical methods. The program also offers professional development workshops on financial literacy, college applications, and career planning.
Subject Areas: Biomedical Research, Scientific Writing, Data Analysis, Bioethics, Mathematics
Location: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, East Baltimore Campus
Cost: Free (includes a $3,000 stipend)
Eligibility: High school students from low-income (≤200% of the federal poverty level) and educationally under-resourced backgrounds; must be highly motivated
Program Dates: June 23 – August 14
Application Deadline: February 1
9. HCC’s Hospitality Management Apprenticeship Programs
HCC’s Hospitality Management Apprenticeship Programs help you build practical skills while gaining real-world experience in hospitality. You can choose between two tracks: Food Service Manager Apprenticeship or Hotel & Lodging Manager Apprenticeship, both designed to prepare you for management roles.
You’ll learn food safety, financial management, customer service, and day-to-day operations. With their “earn-as-you-learn” model, you’ll work in hotels, restaurants, and hospitality businesses, applying what you learn in real settings.
Subject Areas: Hospitality Management, Food Service, Hotel and Lodging
Location: Howard Community College, Columbia, MD
Cost: Free (includes a stipend)
Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years old (or 16 with parental consent in the youth apprenticeship program); valid driver’s license/reliable transportation required
Program Dates: Varies
Application Deadline: Typically closes in March
10. University of Maryland MathQuantum Summer Research Program
The MathQuantum Summer Research Program at the University of Maryland gives you a solid foundation in math and quantum information science. You’ll take part in lectures, seminars, professional development workshops, and hands-on activities, all leading up to a mini-project.
This program helps you build your math skills while exploring interdisciplinary quantum research. If you’re selected, you’ll also get scholarship support to attend the Qubit by Qubit High School Summer Camp.
Subject Areas: Mathematics, Quantum Information Science, Computer Science, Physics
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in mathematics, computer science, physics, or quantum information science
Program Dates: 2 weeks during summer
Application Deadline: February 14
11. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Program Dates: Summer: June – August, fall: September – December, winter: December – February, spring: March – June.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The Summer Cohort I priority application deadline is March 9!
Cost: Financial aid is available
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, pairs you with PhD mentors to develop an independent research project. You’ll work on biological data analysis, such as genomic research, using R and Python to explore fields like evolutionary biology and genomics. The program focuses on creating a rigorous research paper that can be submitted for publication.
You’ll have 1-on-1 sessions with academic experts who will guide you in writing a publishable paper and presenting your work at the end of the program. This experience will not only strengthen your technical skills but also lay the foundation for professional research practices.
12. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Cost: Financial aid available
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
One other option – Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP)
If you’re looking for a virtual mentored research program in data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from.
Image source: Army Educational Outreach Program
