Top 15 Best High School Internships in Maryland 2026

Maryland’s Federal Research Powerhouse

Maryland’s strategic position adjacent to Washington, DC, combined with the world’s largest concentration of federal research agencies, creates extraordinary opportunities for high school students. Internships for high school students in Maryland provide unmatched access to biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health, aerospace innovation at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, cybersecurity careers at Fort Meade’s NSA and Cyber Command, biotechnology companies along the I-270 corridor, state government operations in Annapolis, marine science at the Chesapeake Bay, and healthcare systems throughout Baltimore. From conducting cutting-edge research alongside Nobel laureates at NIH to supporting space missions at NASA, engaging with legal careers through Baltimore’s Law & Leadership program, or developing professional skills through Maryland State Archives, the Old Line State delivers career experiences leveraging its federal, research, and maritime heritage.

Maryland’s geography spans diverse regions: Central Maryland (Baltimore, I-270 biotech corridor) concentrates corporate and research opportunities; Washington suburbs (Montgomery, Prince George’s counties) provide federal agency access; Annapolis offers state government positions; Southern Maryland features aerospace and defense; Eastern Shore showcases marine science and agriculture; Western Maryland delivers rural and outdoor industries. This diversity, combined with excellent schools (Montgomery County nationally ranked, strong programs statewide), creates robust internship pipelines from high school through career.

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15 Outstanding High School Internships in Maryland 2026

1. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Summer Internship Program (SIP)

• Organization: NIH – Bethesda Campus & Baltimore Locations
• Description: Premier biomedical research internship at world’s largest medical research agency and Complex. High school students (primarily rising seniors) work full-time as researchers in NIH Intramural Research Program laboratories under Principal Investigator mentorship. Research spans cancer, infectious diseases, neuroscience, genetics, immunology, heart/lung disease, aging, drug discovery, public health, and virtually all biomedical fields. Students conduct hands-on experiments, learn laboratory techniques, analyze data, attend scientific seminars, present research posters, and participate in enrichment activities. Life-changing research experience at institution making breakthrough medical discoveries. Multiple NIH institutes participate including NCI, NHLBI, NIA, NEI, NIEHS, and 20+ others.
• Eligibility: High school students ages 16+, rising seniors strongly preferred, exceptional science background, U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required
• Duration: 8-10 weeks summer (late May through mid-August)
• Compensation: Paid stipend
• Deadline: Applications typically open November, close mid-February (February 19, 2025 for summer 2025; similar timeline expected 2026)
• Apply: NIH Summer Internship Program

2. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Internships

• Organization: NASA Goddard – Greenbelt, Maryland
• Description: Aerospace engineering and space science internships at NASA’s premier Earth science, astrophysics, and planetary science center. High school students work on research and engineering projects supporting satellite missions, climate science, space telescopes (James Webb, Hubble servicing), planetary exploration, engineering systems, or mission operations. Hands-on experience with cutting-edge space technology, satellite systems, Earth observation, and NASA’s scientific missions. Goddard develops instruments and satellites studying Earth’s climate, solar system exploration, and universe’s mysteries.
• Eligibility: High school students minimum age 16, strong STEM background (3.5+ GPA), U.S. citizenship required
• Duration: Summer sessions (8-10 weeks) or semester placements
• Compensation: Paid stipend
• Deadline: Applications typically close February for summer
• Apply: NASA Internship Portal (OSSI)

3. Baltimore Law & Leadership Youth Program

• Organization: Baltimore City Government / Mayor’s Office
• Description: Seven-week paid legal internship placing Baltimore City public high school juniors and seniors in law firms, courts, law-related agencies, and legal nonprofit organizations. Interns engage in meaningful legal work including legal research, case file review, court observations, client interaction support, and law office operations under attorney supervision. Weekly Law & Leadership sessions cover professional development, law school preparation, career pathways, financial literacy, and civic engagement. Exposure to practicing attorneys, judges, and legal professionals while earning income. Designed to build diverse legal profession pipeline from Baltimore communities.
• Eligibility: Baltimore City public high school juniors and seniors
• Duration: 7 weeks summer (June-August typically)
• Compensation: Paid – hourly wages
• Deadline: Spring 2026 (typically March-April)
• Apply: Baltimore Youth Works or through Baltimore City Public Schools

4. Maryland State Archives High School Internship

• Organization: Maryland State Archives – Annapolis
• Description: History and archival science internship engaging high school students in preserving and making accessible Maryland’s documentary heritage. Interns work on cataloging historical documents, digitization projects, archival processing, research support, collections management, and public outreach. Handle original documents from colonial era through present including government records, photographs, maps, and manuscripts. Learn archival methods, historical research, document preservation, and public history. Unique opportunity working with state’s official historical records.
• Eligibility: Maryland high school students with history/social studies interest
• Duration: Summer or semester internships
• Compensation: Varies – some positions paid, others volunteer or for credit
• Deadline: Contact Archives for current cycle
• Apply: Maryland State Archives education/internship coordinator

5. Johns Hopkins University High School Programs

• Organization: Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore
• Description: Pre-college summer programs and occasional research experiences for high school students at top-ranked research university and medical center. Programs include engineering workshops, biomedical research opportunities, public health exposures, humanities courses, and science enrichment. While formal internships target college students, high school students access educational programs, campus experiences, and occasionally connect with labs for independent research through CTY (Center for Talented Youth) programs or direct professor outreach.
• Eligibility: High school students, varies by program
• Duration: 1-6 weeks depending on program
• Compensation: Fee-based programs; financial aid available
• Deadline: Winter/spring for summer programs
• Apply: Johns Hopkins Pre-College Programs and CTY Summer Programs

6. Baltimore YouthWorks Summer Employment

• Organization: Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED) – Baltimore
• Description: Large-scale summer youth employment connecting Baltimore teens ages 14-21 with paid work experiences at businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations citywide. Placements span healthcare, technology, retail, hospitality, government, education, arts/culture, and social services. Includes workforce readiness training covering resume building, interview skills, financial literacy, and professional behavior. Baltimore’s flagship youth employment initiative serving thousands annually.
• Eligibility: Baltimore City youth ages 14-21 enrolled in school or recent graduates, Baltimore residents
• Duration: 6-8 weeks summer
• Compensation: Paid hourly wages
• Deadline: Spring 2026 (typically March-April)
• Apply: Baltimore YouthWorks or through city schools

7. Maryland State Government Internship Program

• Organization: Maryland Department of Budget & Management – Various State Agencies
• Description: Internships across Maryland state government departments including Department of Natural Resources (environmental science), Department of Health (public health), Department of Transportation (transportation planning), Maryland Environmental Service, Department of Labor, Department of Education, and numerous others. Exposure to state government operations, public policy, regulatory functions, and public service careers. Located primarily in Annapolis (state capital) with positions throughout Maryland.
• Eligibility: High school and college students, Maryland residents preferred
• Duration: Summer or semester placements
• Compensation: Many paid positions
• Deadline: Varies by agency; typically winter/spring
• Apply: Maryland State Internship Portal and individual agency websites

8. University of Maryland Research Opportunities

• Organization: University of Maryland – College Park Campus
• Description: Limited high school research experiences working with UMD faculty on scientific research projects. Areas include engineering, computer science, biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and agriculture. Competitive opportunities where students contribute to laboratory research, data collection, analysis, and sometimes publications. Priority given to Maryland residents and students with strong STEM backgrounds. Not all professors accept high school students—requires individual outreach and professor willingness.
• Eligibility: High school students (typically juniors/seniors), strong STEM background (3.5+ GPA)
• Duration: Summer (6-10 weeks) or academic year part-time
• Compensation: Some positions paid; others volunteer or for credit
• Deadline: Winter/spring for summer; contact professors directly
• Apply: Individual department websites or direct professor contact with research interests

9. National Aquarium (Baltimore) Youth Programs

• Organization: National Aquarium – Inner Harbor, Baltimore
• Description: Marine science education and aquarium operations opportunities through teen volunteer programs and occasional internships. Activities include animal care support, exhibit interpretation, visitor engagement, education programming, conservation initiatives, and special events. Work with marine biologists, aquarists, and educators learning about ocean science, marine conservation, aquatic animal care, and environmental education. Located at Baltimore’s iconic Inner Harbor waterfront destination.
• Eligibility: High school students ages 14-18
• Duration: Academic year or summer schedules
• Compensation: Primarily volunteer; limited paid positions
• Deadline: Applications accepted seasonally
• Apply: National Aquarium Volunteer Programs or education coordinator

10. Montgomery County Public Schools Career Readiness Internships

• Organization: Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)
• Description: School-coordinated internship program connecting MCPS students with employers throughout Montgomery County and greater Maryland. Structured work-based learning experiences aligned with career interests and academic pathways. Placements span healthcare, business, technology, engineering, government, education, law, and skilled trades. MCPS provides internship coordination, employer partnerships, and integration with school credit requirements. Maryland’s largest school district (over 160,000 students) offers extensive employer network.
• Eligibility: MCPS high school students
• Duration: Summer or academic year placements
• Compensation: Varies by employer – many paid
• Deadline: Coordinate through school career readiness coordinators
• Apply: MCPS Career Readiness offices or school counselors

11. Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) Education Programs

• Organization: CBF – Multiple Maryland locations
• Description: Environmental education and Bay conservation opportunities through student programs, field experiences, and occasional internships. Activities include water quality monitoring, habitat restoration, watershed education, marine science field work, environmental advocacy, and sustainability programs. CBF operates education centers and research vessels throughout Maryland teaching Chesapeake Bay ecology, environmental science, and conservation. Hands-on environmental learning focused on America’s largest estuary.
• Eligibility: High school students interested in environmental science, marine biology, or conservation
• Duration: Summer programs, school year field experiences, or internships
• Compensation: Primarily educational programs; some paid positions
• Deadline: Varies by program
• Apply: Chesapeake Bay Foundation education programs

12. Fort Meade Cyber Programs & Competitions

• Organization: NSA/Cyber Command – Fort Meade (Anne Arundel County)
• Description: While NSA internships primarily target college students due to security clearance requirements, Fort Meade hosts cybersecurity competitions, summer camps, and educational programs for high school students. Programs like CyberPatriot (Air Force Association), GenCyber camps (NSA/NSF funded), and Maryland Cyber Challenges provide cybersecurity education, networking opportunities, and pathways to future federal careers. Maryland is nation’s cybersecurity capital with Fort Meade hosting NSA, U.S. Cyber Command, and numerous defense contractors.
• Eligibility: High school students interested in cybersecurity, computer science, or information technology
• Duration: Competitions year-round; camps during summer
• Compensation: Educational programs (free/low-cost)
• Deadline: Varies by competition/program
• Apply: CyberPatriot, GenCyber, Maryland school cyber programs

13. Maryland Center for Construction Education & Innovation (MCCEI) Internship

• Organization: MCCEI – Statewide
• Description: Paid summer internships placing high school and post-secondary students in construction, engineering, architecture, and built environment careers with Maryland construction companies, engineering firms, and developers. Opportunities span project management, surveying, construction management, architecture support, civil engineering, estimating, and skilled trades exposure. Addresses construction industry workforce needs while providing students career exploration in Maryland’s growing development sector.
• Eligibility: Maryland high school students (and college/post-secondary)
• Duration: Summer internships (6-10 weeks typical)
• Compensation: Paid by host employers
• Deadline: Spring 2026
• Apply: Contact MCCEI or through school counselors

14. Baltimore Museum of Art & Walters Art Museum Teen Programs

• Organization: BMA and Walters – Baltimore
• Description: Arts and culture opportunities through teen councils, volunteer programs, gallery interpretation, education support, and occasional paid positions. Work with museum educators, curators, and community engagement staff on exhibitions, public programs, educational workshops, and visitor services. Learn about art history, museum operations, arts administration, and cultural programming at Baltimore’s premier art institutions featuring world-class collections.
• Eligibility: High school students ages 14-18, Baltimore area
• Duration: Academic year or summer programs
• Compensation: Mix of volunteer and paid positions
• Deadline: Fall for academic year; spring for summer
• Apply: Baltimore Museum of Art or Walters Art Museum education departments

15. Anne Arundel County & Prince George’s County Youth Programs

• Organization: Anne Arundel and Prince George’s County Governments
• Description: County-level youth employment and internship programs similar to Baltimore YouthWorks serving suburban Maryland counties. Anne Arundel (Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park areas) and Prince George’s (Bowie, Largo, College Park areas near DC) offer summer employment, career exploration, and workforce development connecting teens with local employers, county government departments, nonprofits, and businesses. Suburban alternatives to Baltimore and DC programs.
• Eligibility: County residents enrolled in schools, ages vary by program
• Duration: Summer primarily (6-8 weeks)
• Compensation: Paid positions
• Deadline: Spring 2026
• Apply: Contact Anne Arundel County Recreation & Parks or Prince George’s County Workforce Services

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How to Apply for Maryland Internships

Understanding Maryland’s Regional Diversity

Maryland’s geography creates distinct opportunity zones. Central Maryland (Baltimore, Howard County) concentrates healthcare (Johns Hopkins), biotech, and corporate; I-270 Corridor (Montgomery, Frederick counties) is biotech/life sciences hub with NIH access; DC Suburbs (Montgomery, Prince George’s) provide federal agency opportunities requiring just Metro rides; Annapolis offers state government; Southern Maryland (Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s) features military and aerospace; Eastern Shore showcases marine science and agriculture; Western Maryland provides outdoor and rural industries. Students should focus regionally or target specific industries statewide.

For additional opportunities, explore nearby high school internships in Washington DC or high school internships in Delaware.

Application Timeline (Condensed)

November 2025: NIH Summer Internship applications open (typically November). NASA Goddard also opens. Early research opportunity season begins.

December 2025 – February 2026: NIH deadline mid-February (February 19 typical). NASA Goddard deadline February. Peak application season for federal research internships.

March – April 2026: Baltimore YouthWorks and Law & Leadership applications open. Montgomery County and local programs finalize. State government positions post. Most non-federal deadlines cluster here.

May – August 2026: Summer programs begin across Maryland.

Required Documents (Condensed)

Resume (one page, strong academics and science courses for research positions), Cover letters (customized explaining specific interests), Transcripts (showing GPA and coursework—NIH and NASA want 3.5+ for high school students), Recommendations (2-3 letters from science/math teachers for research programs), Essays (research programs require statements of interest, 300-500 words), Security documentation (U.S. citizenship verification for federal positions—NIH, NASA require), Work permits (Maryland requires for under-18 employment), Background checks (federal positions involve clearance processes).

Application Methods

Online portals: NIH uses training.nih.gov system, NASA uses OSSI portal, Johns Hopkins and UMD use university application systems. Through schools: Baltimore YouthWorks, Montgomery County internships, MCCEI construction programs coordinate via school counselors. State government: Maryland DBM internship portal aggregates state positions. Direct contact: Maryland State Archives, museums, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, local county programs via email/phone.

Strengthening Applications (Condensed)

Emphasize STEM credentials for research: NIH and NASA highly competitive—highlight AP sciences, research projects, science fair, STEM clubs, exceptional grades. Show Maryland connection: State and local programs value community ties—mention Maryland roots and commitment to Old Line State. Federal position requirements: NIH and NASA require U.S. citizenship—confirm eligibility before applying. Don’t waste effort on positions where ineligible. Regional focus: Maryland sprawls—mention reliable transportation or focus applications on accessible regions. Quantify achievements: Specific numbers and outcomes demonstrate impact.

Students considering other biotech hubs should explore high school internships in Massachusetts or high school internships in Denver.

Interview Preparation (Condensed)

Research thoroughly: Understand organization’s mission—NIH’s medical research leadership, NASA Goddard’s Earth science role, Baltimore’s legal landscape for Law & Leadership. Prepare specific questions: Show informed interest in research areas, government operations, or organizational missions. Professional attire: Business casual minimum; federal positions may require business professional. Demonstrate maturity: Research environments and federal agencies require reliability, security consciousness, professionalism. Show passion: Maryland employers value genuine enthusiasm for science, public service, or chosen field. Follow up: Thank-you emails within 24 hours.

Transportation Considerations

MARC commuter rail: Connects Baltimore, DC suburbs, Annapolis areas—useful for federal workers commuting. Washington Metro: Extends into Montgomery and Prince George’s counties connecting to DC opportunities. Baltimore Metro/Light Rail: Limited system serves some city opportunities. Personal vehicle: Most Maryland internships outside DC Metro area require cars—state is car-dependent. Regional considerations: NIH (Bethesda) Metro-accessible via Red Line; NASA Goddard (Greenbelt) accessible via Green Line; Baltimore opportunities often require cars; Annapolis limited transit.

Resources

• Maryland State Internship Portal – dbm.maryland.gov/internships
• School career coordinators and counselors
• NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education
• NASA Goddard education/workforce office
• Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Employment Development
• Montgomery County Career Readiness office

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Maryland high school internships paid?

Many Maryland internships offer compensation with NIH Summer Internship providing research stipends, NASA Goddard paying students, Baltimore YouthWorks and Law & Leadership offering hourly wages ($15-17 typical), MCCEI construction internships paid by employers, state government many positions paid, Montgomery County employer placements varying by company, while volunteer opportunities (museums, aquarium, Chesapeake Bay Foundation educational programs, some state archives work) remain unpaid but provide school credit.

When should I apply for summer 2026 internships in Maryland?

Apply November 2025 through April 2026 with NIH opening in November and closing mid-February (critical early deadline requiring immediate attention), NASA Goddard deadline in February, Baltimore YouthWorks and Law & Leadership opening March-April, Montgomery County and state programs coordinating winter/spring, and construction/county programs finalizing spring—federal research positions (NIH, NASA) have earliest deadlines and longest timelines.

Do I need work experience to get Maryland internships?

No, entry-level programs like Baltimore YouthWorks, Montgomery County school-coordinated internships, county programs, museum volunteers, and educational opportunities welcome first-time workers with training provided, though highly competitive federal research positions (NIH, NASA Goddard) strongly prefer students with exceptional STEM academics (3.5-3.8+ GPA), AP science courses, prior research experience, science fair participation, and demonstrated passion for biomedical or space science.

Do I need to be a US citizen for Maryland internships?

U.S. citizenship required for federal positions including NIH Summer Internship, NASA Goddard internships, and any opportunities at Fort Meade (NSA, Cyber Command) due to security clearance requirements, while state government, local programs (Baltimore YouthWorks, Montgomery County), private organizations (Johns Hopkins programs, museums, Chesapeake Bay Foundation), and educational institutions generally don’t require citizenship but may need work authorization—verify requirements before applying.

What makes Maryland unique for high school internships?

Maryland uniquely combines world’s largest medical research complex (NIH Bethesda campus), premier space/Earth science center (NASA Goddard), national cybersecurity capital (Fort Meade NSA/Cyber Command), dense I-270 biotech corridor, proximity to federal capital enabling DC opportunities via Metro, strong state government programs in Annapolis, Chesapeake Bay marine science, Johns Hopkins medical excellence, and exceptional school systems (Montgomery County) creating unparalleled federal research and life sciences access.

How competitive are NIH and NASA Goddard internships?

Extremely competitive with NIH Summer Internship receiving thousands of applications for limited high school positions (estimated under 10% acceptance for high schoolers, though program primarily serves college students), NASA Goddard similarly selective requiring exceptional STEM credentials (3.5+ GPA, advanced coursework, demonstrated passion, prior research experience helpful), both require U.S. citizenship limiting applicant pool—these are among nation’s most prestigious high school STEM opportunities, but accessible programs (YouthWorks, school-coordinated internships, county programs) serve students across skill levels.

Can students from Virginia, DC, Pennsylvania, or Delaware apply?

Federal positions (NIH, NASA) welcome applicants nationwide including neighboring states, while Maryland-specific programs vary with Baltimore YouthWorks requiring Baltimore City residency, Montgomery County programs requiring MCPS enrollment, state government internships prioritizing Maryland residents but sometimes accepting others, and private organizations (Johns Hopkins, museums, aquarium) generally considering regional applicants—Virginia/DC residents should also explore high school internships in DC and Pennsylvania students high school internships in Delaware.

Can I earn school credit for Maryland internships?

Yes, Maryland high schools typically offer academic credit through work-based learning programs requiring counselor pre-approval, minimum hours (120-180 typical for full credit), employer evaluations, reflection assignments, and competency demonstrations, with both paid and unpaid internships qualifying—Montgomery County Public Schools has particularly robust career readiness infrastructure, Baltimore City schools coordinate through YouthWorks, and most Maryland districts offer CTE pathways enabling internship credit integration.

How does Maryland’s proximity to DC affect opportunities?

Maryland’s DC suburbs (Montgomery, Prince George’s counties) provide Metro-accessible federal internships in Washington without leaving Maryland, Montgomery County residents access DC museums/government via Red Line, Prince George’s students reach DC via Green Line, many Maryland students intern at Smithsonian or federal agencies technically in DC but commute from Maryland homes, while Baltimore and other Maryland regions offer distinct opportunities separate from DC influence—essentially, Maryland provides both DC-adjacent opportunities and independent state programs.

What regions of Maryland have most internship opportunities?

Central Maryland (Baltimore, Howard County) and DC suburbs (Montgomery, Prince George’s counties) concentrate 70-80% of opportunities with Montgomery County offering most due to NIH, biotech corridor, excellent schools, and DC proximity, Baltimore providing healthcare (Hopkins), city programs, and cultural institutions, while Annapolis has state government, Southern Maryland offers military/aerospace, Eastern Shore features marine science, and Western Maryland provides environmental/outdoor opportunities—students outside central regions should work with schools identifying local options or plan commutes.

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Explore More Internship Opportunities

Expand Beyond Maryland

Maryland students should consider regional opportunities:

Mid-Atlantic Neighbors:

• High School Internships in Washington, DC – Federal government and policy
• High School Internships in Delaware – Corporate headquarters
• High School Internships in Jersey City, NJ – NYC metro access

Major Metropolitan Areas:

• High School Internships in NYC – Finance and media capital
• High School Internships in Los Angeles – Entertainment and tech
• High School Internships in Miami – International business

Innovation Hubs:

• High School Internships in Massachusetts – Biotech capital
• High School Internships in Denver – Aerospace and energy

Growing Regional Cities:

• High School Internships in Kansas City – Midwest business
• High School Internships in Minneapolis – Corporate headquarters
• High School Internships in Milwaukee – Manufacturing innovation

Southern Growth:

• High School Internships in Alpharetta, GA – Technology corridor
• High School Internships in Augusta, GA – Cybersecurity center

State Programs:

• High School Internships in Florida – Aerospace and tourism
• High School Internships in Texas – Energy capital
• High School Internships in Minnesota – Regional opportunities

Texas Suburban:

• High School Internships in Katy, TX – Houston area access

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Final Thoughts

Internships for high school students in Maryland leverage the Old Line State’s exceptional position hosting world’s premier biomedical research at NIH, cutting-edge space science at NASA Goddard, national cybersecurity leadership at Fort Meade, thriving I-270 biotech corridor, and Metro-accessible federal opportunities in DC suburb.

Start by applying to NIH immediately when November applications open (mid-February deadline critical), reviewing NASA Goddard deadlines, targeting Baltimore YouthWorks or Montgomery County school-coordinated programs for accessible placements, emphasizing strong STEM credentials and Maryland connections, confirming U.S. citizenship for federal positions before applying, and strategically applying to 8-12 opportunities spanning competitive research positions and accessible workforce programs to maximize your chances in America’s federal research capital.

Questions? Contact NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education, reach NASA Goddard education office, connect with Baltimore MOED for YouthWorks, contact Montgomery County Career Readiness, or work with your school counselor for Maryland-specific internship guidance and coordination.