12 Business Internships for High School Students in Maryland

Internship experiences can be a great way for high school students to explore their interests, build professional skills, and gain a clearer sense of future career paths. If you’re keen on pursuing business, these programs offer an inside look at how companies operate, often through projects, mentorship, and collaborative work environments. Many of these internships are also paid or fully funded, allowing you to earn while you learn.

Business internships can help you develop a strong foundation in areas like finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, communications, and management. They’re also a great way to build your resume, connect with professionals, and strengthen your college applications. Admissions officers appreciate students who take initiative, pursue hands-on learning, and show commitment to their goals.

Maryland’s proximity to Washington, D.C., and its strong network of universities, tech companies, and nonprofits make it a great place to find meaningful business internships. You might intern at a startup in Baltimore, contribute to a local economic development project, or support a university-based entrepreneurship center. These programs often include mentorship, workshops, and real project work that lets you apply what you’ve learned in school to a professional setting.

If you’re a high schooler in Maryland, here’s a list of 12 business internships to help you get started!

1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program

Location: The program is held all across the country. You will be assigned a local non-profit organization to work with in your region/area. The Leadership Summit will be held in Washington, DC.
Stipend: It is a paid internship, but no information is available on the exact amount. The trip to Washington, DC is covered by the bank!
Dates:  8-week summer internship, including an all-expenses-covered week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC. Dates vary by location, but the internship usually begins shortly after the school year ends
Application Deadline: Applications open in October and typically close in January
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply. See all eligibility criteria here

Each year, the Bank of America Student Leaders Program selects around 300 motivated high school students who are passionate about community service for a paid eight-week internship. As a participant, you’ll be placed with a local nonprofit—such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America or Habitat for Humanity—where you’ll take on projects that address community needs. The program is designed to help you understand how nonprofits operate while building leadership, collaboration, and civic engagement skills. A key highlight of the program is the week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. All travel, meals, and accommodation are fully covered. At the summit, you’ll connect with peers from across the country while exploring how the nonprofit, government, and business sectors work together to create lasting impact. 

2. Ladder Internships

Location:  Virtual! You can work from anywhere in the world
Cost: Varies based on program type
Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring.
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year, vary with the cohort
Eligibility: Open to all high school students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. These internships are also open to undergraduates and gap year students!

Ladder Internships is an 8-week, fully remote program that connects high school students with high-growth startups and nonprofits across industries like tech, healthcare, business, and more. You can choose a field that matches your interests and work on projects in areas like business development, marketing, finance, and consulting. You will work with startup teams, gaining insight into entrepreneurship and innovation. Throughout the program, you’ll be mentored by both a startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach. This dual-mentorship model supports you as you navigate challenges and build tangible skills. Past interns have developed pitch decks, conducted market research, and launched creative marketing campaigns.

3. Urban Alliance High School Internship Program

Location: Multiple locations including Baltimore, Maryland
Stipend: It is a paid internship, but information on the exact amount is not available
Application Deadline: Applications are currently open. Information on when they close is not available at the moment
Dates: Nine months. Part-time during the school year and full-time during the summer
Eligibility: High school seniors on track to graduate; must be authorized for an off-campus/early release schedule and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA

Urban Alliance’s High School Internship Program offers high school seniors a paid, year-long internship experience designed to build job skills and professional confidence. Interns work part-time during the school year and full-time in the summer, supported by both a dedicated Urban Alliance program lead and a workplace mentor. In addition to on-the-job training, you will complete six weeks of job readiness workshops and continue to attend weekly sessions focused on post-high school planning, communication, financial literacy, and workplace professionalism. The program aims to bridge the gap between school and the workforce, offering early access to career networks and experience across a range of industries. Urban Alliance also offers tailored internship tracks for students interested in fields like construction and property management, along with additional pre-apprenticeship opportunities for older youth. 

4. Maryland Public Television (MPT) Internships

Location: Maryland Public Television, Owings Mills, Maryland
Cost/Stipend: No cost. High school students are only eligible for the unpaid positions!
Application Deadline: Rolling applications, with three sessions: Summer, Fall, Spring
Dates: Typically spans 15 weeks; 10–20 hours per week; three sessions: Summer, Fall, Spring
Eligibility: High school students are eligible for certain unpaid roles. To apply, you must meet your high school's internship requirements (Work-Based Learning Program)

Maryland Public Television (MPT), the state’s only public broadcasting network, offers internship opportunities for high school students interested in media, television, and communications. As an intern, you’ll get exposure to television programming, content development, and co-productions, while learning how a major public broadcaster operates. High school internships at MPT are unpaid but provide an educational experience that introduces you to the network’s mission and day-to-day work. MPT looks for creative and motivated students who are eager to learn in a professional media environment. Internships are typically in-person or hybrid and require reliable transportation. While high school students are exempt from the 16-hour weekly minimum, placements are still within regular work hours and structured to provide insight into careers in broadcasting and public media.

5. CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) High School Internship Program

Location: Various locations across the US, including Maryland. See all available locations here.
Stipend: It is a paid opportunity, but information on the exact amount is not available

Dates: 8 weeks, typically from mid-June to August
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January
Eligibility: High school students aged 16-18 years can apply

The CLA High School Internship Program is a paid, four-week experience designed for students curious about accounting and the broader world of professional services. You’ll work directly with industry professionals, applying your classroom knowledge to projects in areas like tax, audit, and financial analysis, while also building critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Beyond technical training, the program includes a team-based case study, mentorship, and opportunities to explore various roles across the firm. With a focus on collaboration and career readiness, this internship offers a well-rounded introduction to both CLA and the accounting field.

6. Emma Bowen Foundation Internship

Location: Various locations across the U.S., including Maryland
Stipend: Varies depending on EBF partner organizations
Dates: 8 weeks from late May to early June
Application Deadline: Early January
Eligibility: U.S. high school senior; cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0; student of color (Asian, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Black, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, or Multi-Racial) 

The Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internship offers an eight-week paid experience for high school seniors and college students of color who are interested in business, media, technology, and similar fields. Interns are matched with top-tier partner companies, where they gain experience in areas like journalism, production, software engineering, marketing, PR, and business development. Many participants continue in the program across multiple summers, allowing them to expand their knowledge and grow their professional network.

7. High School Business Internship with PNNL

Location: Multiple PNNL locations across the country, with virtual options available too.
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified

Dates: During the academic year (August through May)
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so it is recommended to apply as soon as they open in early February
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) provides high school students with an opportunity to gain business experience during the school year through its Work-Based Learning Program. As an intern, you will typically work part-time (typically four hours a day, five days a week) and receive elective credit while being mentored by professionals in PNNL’s business and administrative teams. Beyond daily tasks, you will take part in leadership workshops and skill-building sessions designed to boost your confidence and prepare you for future careers. This internship offers a structured, supportive environment to explore the business operations behind a major national research institution.

8. Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) – Work-Based Learning Internships

Location: Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland
Cost/Stipend: Paid or unpaid, varies with the internship placement
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: Varies; typically aligned with the academic semester
Eligibility: MCPS high school students, primarily in grades 11 and 12

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) offers internship opportunities for high school juniors and seniors to gain work-based learning experiences across a range of career fields. These internships, which can be paid or unpaid, are designed to help students build skills, explore potential career paths, and strengthen your resume before graduation. Students earn advanced-level credit by working at least 75 hours per semester and participating in a Career Seminar class that focuses on professionalism and workplace readiness. Each internship is supported by a sponsoring organization, allowing students to experience authentic work environments and develop skills. For every 150 hours worked, students receive one full credit. This is a strong opportunity if you’re looking to explore future career options while earning credit and gaining professional experience during the school year.

9. Young Founders Lab 

Location: Virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Cost: The total cost to attend the 4-week program is $2900. There is need-based financial aid.
Dates: Typically 4 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in mid-May
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students

The Young Founder’s Lab is an entrepreneurship program founded by Harvard entrepreneurs that gives high school students the chance to launch their own revenue-generating startups. As part of the program, you’ll work on building a business that addresses a problem, with guidance from mentors who’ve worked at top companies like Google, Microsoft, and X. Alongside developing your startup, you’ll dive into interactive sessions that cover core business concepts, explore case studies, and participate in workshops and panel discussions. It’s an opportunity to gain entrepreneurial experience and sharpen your business skills in a supportive setting.

10. Communications & Marketing Intern, Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC)

Location: Virtual
Cost: No cost.

Dates: 10 weeks, May to August

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis

Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old can apply

Note: Students can choose to intern virtually, in person at the SSEC in Washington, DC, or in a hybrid format

This internship is a great fit for high school students curious about the communications and marketing aspects of the business world. You will work on projects that promote the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC), contributing to content creation, brand strategy, and marketing materials while supporting the team’s broader communication efforts. You’ll explore how the Smithsonian’s network operates, assist with identifying key experts, and help craft content that’s accessible and relevant to diverse audiences. It’s a opportunity to develop your skills in branding, storytelling, and strategic outreach while gaining insight into nonprofit communications.

11. PHC Group - Mary Miller Summer Program

Location: Virtual

Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will be paid, but the amount is not specified.

Dates: Summer (exact dates not specified)

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis

Eligibility: Rising or current high school seniors with work authorization

The Mary Miller Summer Program is a paid, remote internship for high school juniors and seniors interested in public health, marketing, or communications. Interns work alongside PHC Group’s global team on collaborative and independent projects, while also engaging with senior leadership throughout the program. As an intern, you’ll support digital outreach by contributing to social media strategies, researching online trends, and participating in planning meetings. You’ll also help develop content, provide technical support, and gather performance insights. The role offers a chance to sharpen your communication, project management, and leadership skills. 

12. Building-U Internship

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None

Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines, it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible
Dates: Usually 3 months from June to August. If the intern is keen, the internship can be extended!
Eligibility: All high school students can apply. International students can apply too!

Building-U offers a remote internship opportunity for high school students looking to gain experience while contributing to a nonprofit organization. The internship centers on curating and sharing accessible opportunities, such as scholarships and educational programs, for students across North America. Over the course of three months, you’ll join one of ten focus areas, including marketing, outreach, business development, and event coordination. Interns collaborate on projects that strengthen skills in communication, organization, and strategic planning. It’s a great fit if you’re interested in event planning or want to explore how nonprofits operate behind the scenes.

Team options include: Marketing – Manage Google Ads and analyze data; Business & Development – Build partnerships and funding strategies; Social Media – Create and schedule content; Animation – Design branding visuals; Data Privacy – Improve internal privacy practices; Plus roles in Events, Admin, Student Ambassadors, and more