Updated October 2026
TL;DR
This article focuses on 12 business internships for high school students in Maryland, with options spanning city-run workforce programs, corporate internships at accounting and media organizations, startup-focused boot camps, and mentored research placements at national labs. Most run over the summer for 4 to 8 weeks, though a few extend across the school year. Pay varies widely, from $15–$21/hour to lump-sum stipends, while a couple are unpaid or charge fees. Most require you to live in or attend school in a specific Maryland county or city, though a couple of options are remote and open to students anywhere.
Curious about the world of business but don’t know where to start? Business internships can help you see how organizations make decisions, manage projects, serve customers, and respond to challenges. These internships can introduce you to areas such as marketing, entrepreneurship, finance, management, communications, or business operations. Some of them may place you in a company or organization, while others may focus on projects, mentorship, or learning how businesses operate. If you’re interested in business but aren't sure which area you want to pursue, an internship can help you explore your options.
Why should you do a business internship in Maryland?
Maryland can be a good place to explore business because the state offers opportunities across industries such as healthcare, technology, finance, government, nonprofits, and professional services. Depending on the opportunity, you might learn about marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, human resources, consulting, sales, or day-to-day business operations. Maryland also has businesses and organizations in fields such as healthcare and technology, so you can explore core business functions within diverse industries. The experience can also give you a better sense of whether you prefer the business side of an organization or a more specialized area such as marketing or finance. Our guide to choosing the right internship can be a good starting point for figuring out which opportunity aligns with your goals.
How do you apply for a business internship in Maryland?
Start by looking for programs that match your interests and checking their eligibility requirements. Internships in the state may be offered by companies, nonprofits, government-related organizations, universities, and community programs, and the application process set by the hosts can vary significantly. You may need to submit a resume, transcript, recommendation, essay, or responses about your interests and goals. Some opportunities may also have requirements related to where you live or attend school. If the internship is in person, check the location and transportation options before applying, particularly if you would need to travel every day. If this is your first-ever business internship, here’s how to apply for internships without any experience.
To help you explore your options, we have compiled a list of 12 business internships for high school students in Maryland. We have focused on strong business-focused opportunities offered by credible organizations.
If you are looking for structured experiences beyond Maryland, check out our selection of free business programs and startup internships for high schoolers.
Quick comparison
|
Program type |
Top programs |
Cost/Stipend |
Best for |
|
City-, county- or state-wide workforce programs |
Urban Alliance High School Internship Program, YouthWorks Summer Jobs Program, MCPS Work-Based Learning Internships |
Free; stipends available |
Students who want local, workplace-based experience with county or city organizations, some of which offer school credit |
|
Corporate professional Internships |
CLA High School Internship Program, Emma Bowen Foundation Fellows Program, Internships @ Maryland Public Television |
Free; stipend available (amounts vary by host) |
Students who want exposure to a specific industry, such as accounting, media, or corporate professional services |
|
Startup and entrepreneurship programs |
Cost varies with financial aid available |
Students who want a fully virtual experience working with a startup or building their own business idea |
|
|
Research-focused business programs |
PNNL High School Internship, George Mason ASSIP Business Track |
Free – $25 application fee + $1,299 tuition; PNNL typically offers stipends |
Students who want a mentored research placement exploring business or finance topics, with ASSIP offering a virtual option |
|
Arts and specialty internships |
No cost; Bloomberg Arts Internships comes with a stipend |
Students interested in niche subject areas, such as the business side of arts and culture or clean energy research |
1. CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) High School Internship Program
Location: Multiple CLA office locations nationwide, including in Baltimore, MD
Stipend: Paid; specific amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed
Dates: June 15 – July 16
Application deadline: TBA for the next cycle
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 at the start of the program and are authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring an employment-based visa; selected interns under 18 must submit the required work authorization papers.
This four-week, in-person internship introduces students to the accounting and professional services industry through a mix of learning and hands-on experiences. You will work on a case study focused on varied clients and industries, shadow professionals at different levels as they serve clients and support their communities, and engage in team projects designed to give you a look at CLA's workplace culture. Throughout the experience, you will collaborate closely with CLA staff. This program can be an opportunity to explore roles and potential pathways in accounting.
Who it's best for: Students who want paid, hands-on exposure to accounting and professional services.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote! You can participate from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts every year, including Summer, Spring, Fall, and Winter
Application deadline: Varies by cohort; Summer (May), Spring (January), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10 to 20 hours a week for 8 to 12 weeks; open to high school, undergraduate, and gap year students.
Ladder Internships is a selective startup internship program for ambitious high school students. Through the program, you will work with a high-growth startup on an internship. Startups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from AI/ML and tech/deep tech to journalism, health tech, marketing, consulting, and more. Ladder’s startups are high-growth companies that, on average, raise more than $1 million. You will work closely with a manager on real-world projects and present your work to the company. The virtual internship is usually eight weeks long. Apply now!
Who it’s best for: Students seeking a fully virtual project-based internship experience led by a startup.
3. Urban Alliance High School Internship Program
Location: Organizations in Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipends available (at minimum wage rate or higher)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Year-round opportunities; part-time work during the school year and full-time during the summer
Application deadline: Not specified; check the website for the current application cycle
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Chicago, or Detroit
The Urban Alliance High School Internship Program is a year-long paid program in which you will work part-time with a local organization throughout your senior year and shift to full-time hours over the summer. Before the internship begins, you will complete approximately six weeks of pre-employment job skills training to prepare for your placement. Then, you will join an organization with placements available across industries in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Throughout the year, you will participate in weekly workshops covering job and life skills and post-high school planning. You will work under the mentorship of two dedicated adults, an Urban Alliance Program Lead and a one-on-one mentor in the workplace. The experience can offer exposure to real businesses, workplace expectations, and professional collaboration.
Who it’s best for: Students looking for a year-long paid workplace exposure along with close mentorship.
4. Young Founders Lab
Location: 100% virtual with live, interactive workshops
Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application deadline: Varies by cohort; you can find the application link here.
Eligibility: High school students
The Young Founder’s Lab is a startup boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work toward building a revenue-generating startup that addresses a complex problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X. Apart from building the startup itself, you will also participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals and business ideation, workshops and skill-building sessions, case studies, and panel discussions. This can be an opportunity to delve into the world of business in high school and explore various theoretical and practical frameworks that lead to business success. You can check out the brochure for more details!
Who it’s best for: Students looking for an accessible remote opportunity focused on building a business venture.
5. Bloomberg Arts Internship (BAI)
Location: Sites in Baltimore, MD
Stipend: $21.15/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 70 students (35 per cohort)
Dates: June 15 – August 15
Application deadline: February 20 (early bird); March 4 (final)
Eligibility: Rising seniors enrolled in a Baltimore City public high school who will be 16 years old or older by the internship start and able to work legally in the U.S.
The Bloomberg Arts Internship is a summer internship that connects rising seniors with arts and cultural organizations across Baltimore City. You will start with one week of orientation followed by a seven-week internship, spending three days each week at your worksite exploring real workplace functions and teamwork. The remaining two days focus on professional development, college preparation, writing support, field trips, and arts experiences. Worksite placements can be in person or hybrid and may involve different types of creative and administrative work. You will also receive support from mentors and participate in activities designed to build professional skills and help you connect with Baltimore's arts community.
Who it’s best for: Baltimore 11th graders interested in exploring the business side of the arts and culture sector through paid work experience.
6. YouthWorks Summer Jobs Program
Location: Sites in Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: No fee; $15/hour stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 29 – July 31
Application deadline: March 7
Eligibility: Baltimore City students, ages 14 – 21
YouthWorks is a summer employment program that connects you to local organizations for a paid internship experience while helping you develop workplace skills. You also attend sessions on workplace expectations, financial literacy, career exploration, and skills training. You will be matched with employers based on your career interests, skills, and abilities. The standard summer program involves up to 25 hours of work per week for five weeks, although private-sector placements may offer additional hours. You may take on roles at nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, and other organizations across a range of career areas.
Who it’s best for: Baltimore students seeking paid work experience, career exploration within the city, and professional skill-building.
7. Internships @ Maryland Public Television (MPT)
Location: Maryland Public Television, Owings Mills, MD
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer: June – August | Fall: September – December | Spring: February – May
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, college and university students, graduate students, trade school students, and recent graduates up to six months after graduation
Maryland Public Television’s internships can offer you a look at the administrative and business side of television programming, with placements available in development, production, communications, education, marketing, and information technology, among other teams. As an intern, you will carry out placement-specific tasks and gain experience in a professional public media environment. Depending on the department, your responsibilities may include research and writing, event planning, website and multimedia work, video production, graphic design, or technical production. Internships may be in person and/or hybrid, although some positions have specific in-person requirements. The program may also offer individual internship opportunities.
Who it’s best for: Students who want to explore careers in public television, media, communications, production, education, technology, or related fields.
8. Emma Bowen Foundation Fellows Program
Location: Various sites across the U.S., including in Maryland
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 150 students/year (Maryland-specific numbers not available)
Dates: Eight weeks (minimum) in the summer, starting in May/June; dates vary based on the hiring organization.
Application deadline: Application window: September – April; recommended submission period is January, as applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eligibility: 12th graders who are planning to attend four-year accredited U.S. colleges or universities, have a cumulative GPA of 3.0+, are at least 18, and are authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
The Emma Bowden Foundation Fellows Program connects high school students to paid work experiences in various fields, including business and entrepreneurship. If selected, you will spend your summer as an intern at an organization near you. You may take up a role in sales, public relations, marketing, human resources, or other business-related areas while also receiving on-the-job training and connecting with peers and mentors. You will typically work 35 to 40 hours every week during the internship. The program will additionally offer professional development workshops and one-on-one coaching.
Who it’s best for: Students looking for a mix of paid summer internship and professional development support in one program.
9. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) High School Internship
Location: Multiple PNNL sites, including College Park, MD
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed
Dates: June – August (summer) | August – May (academic year)
Application deadline: Summer applications: Early March | Academic year applications: Early June
Eligibility: Local high school students; applicants must be at least 18 to use laboratory spaces.
The PNNL offers high school students the opportunity to gain workplace exposure, build practical skills, and network as business interns during the school year. You can choose to intern in the summer or during the academic year, with placements available year-round depending on availability. As an intern, you will work closely with PNNL business professionals, scientists, or engineers, and receive mentorship throughout your internship. Beyond your core placement work and research exposure, you will participate in leadership development activities, lab tours, and communications and career-awareness workshops. You may be able to earn elective credit through your school's work-based learning program.
Who it’s best for: Students who want a paid experience focused on the business operations within a national laboratory.
10. Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Work-Based Learning Internships
Location: Montgomery County, MD
Cost/Stipend: No cost; paid and unpaid opportunities available
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: Vary by placement; typically aligned with the academic semester
Application deadline: Varies by opportunity
Eligibility: MCPS high school students, typically in grades 11 and 12
MCPS’s internships let high school students gain work-based learning experiences across a range of fields. These internships are designed to help you build workplace skills, explore potential career paths, and strengthen your resume before graduation while gaining insight into the inner workings of real workplaces. You will work for at least 75 hours per semester and participate in a Career Seminar class that covers the basics of professionalism and workplace readiness. Each internship will be supported by a sponsoring organization in the county, allowing you to explore local work environments and career opportunities. For every 150 hours worked, you will receive one full credit.
Who it’s best for: Students looking to explore future career options while earning credit and gaining professional experience during the school year.
11. George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP): Business Track
Location: Virtual option available
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee + $1,299 tuition for three course credits (fee waivers available); no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school or undergraduate students who are at least 15 years old for remote internships or 16+ years old for in-person/wet-lab opportunities
George Mason’s ASSIP is an eight-week opportunity to explore the world of business and finance through a mentored research placement. Within a business-focused placement, you may contribute to research focused on market structure, corporate finance, the economics of AI, blockchain, investments, or financial tech, depending on your mentor’s work. During the program, you will gain hands-on experience with reviewing existing literature and research technologies, and practice scientific writing and communication skills. You will also learn about potential career paths through discussions and meetings with researchers and professionals. You will leave with three college credits.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in exploring business through scientific research under a mentor's guidance.
12. EnergyMag Internships
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Two to eight weeks in the summer | One to nine months during the year; flexible dates
Application deadline: Open year-round
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a GPA of 3.25 who have taken at least one honors science or honors English class; college students are also eligible.
EnergyMag’s internships let students learn how to research and investigate businesses and technologies within the context of clean energy, sustainability, and energy storage. During the internship, you will examine a given issue, organization, startup, tech, market, or activity under the guidance of a mentor with a focus on energy use and storage. While working on the research assignment, you will compile and analyze the data you collect from various sources and complete an analysis report, which may be published on the EnergyMag website. This experience can be an opportunity to develop core research skills.
Who it’s best for: Students seeking a flexible, project-based opportunity to develop research and writing skills.
What skills can you pick up in business internships?
Business internships can introduce you to practical skills that are difficult to learn from a textbook alone. You might learn how to work with spreadsheets, research a market, help prepare presentations, organize information, communicate with customers or clients, or contribute to a business project. Depending on the internship, you may also practice professional writing, networking, public speaking, time management, and making decisions with a team. These skills can be useful whether you eventually study business or apply them in another field.
Can a business internship help with your college applications?
A business internship can give you concrete examples of how you have explored your interest in business and what you learned from being part of an organization. Here’s exactly how internships can help boost college applications:
Show what part of business interests you: You can use the internship to explain whether your experience made you more interested in areas such as entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, management, or another part of the field.
Demonstrate your ability to contribute within a team: If you worked with other interns or employees, you can describe your role and how you contributed to a shared project.
Highlight your skills: A project that required you to research an issue, make a recommendation, or find a solution can become an opportunity for you to discuss the skills you built, like problem-solving and critical thinking. You can also discuss firsthand experience with deadlines, workplace communication, meetings, and expectations.
If you are looking for additional tips, our guide to using your internship to boost college applications can be your next read.
What students often wonder about these business internships
1. Will these internships expose you to one specific business function, or a mix of different departments and areas?
It depends on the program. Some place you into one specific business function, like finance, marketing, or research, for the full internship, while others rotate you through multiple departments or give you a broader look at how different teams within an organization work together.
2. Will you actually take on real business tasks and projects, or mostly shadow professionals and observe?
Most of these internships involve genuine hands-on work, such as contributing to a team project, conducting research, or completing placement-specific tasks, rather than just watching from the sidelines. That said, some programs also build in shadowing or mentorship components alongside the hands-on work, so the balance between doing and observing can vary by placement.
3. How much do these internships pay, and is there a cost to participate?
This varies a lot across the list. Several internships pay hourly wages or stipends, ranging from around $15/hour to $21.15/hour, while others are completely unpaid, and at least one requires a program fee that includes tuition for college credit.
4. Are these internships limited to specific Maryland counties or cities, or can students from anywhere apply?
Many of these internships are restricted to students who live in or attend school within a specific city or county in Maryland, so it's worth checking the location requirements closely before applying. If you want a remote experience, Ladder Internships can connect you with a startup to work remotely on a real project.