15 Software Internships for High School Students in Maryland

For high school students interested in computer science and software development, internships can provide a great opportunity to explore the field and build new skills. High school internships offer invaluable real-world experience that extends far beyond the classroom, helping you build technical skills, develop professional relationships, and significantly strengthen your college applications. For students passionate about software development and computer science, engaging in hands-on internships during high school demonstrates your genuine commitment to the field and provides concrete examples of your abilities that admissions officers value highly. 

If you want to see what other technology internships are available in other states, find a list of technology internships in North Carolina here & Washington here.

Why should you do a software internship in high school?

As a participant, you will apply theoretical knowledge to practical projects, discover whether software engineering is truly your passion, and often receive mentorship from experienced professionals in the industry. Through internships, you’ll gain competitive advantages over peers, including stronger work experience, compelling letters of recommendation from industry professionals, and a growing professional network. Maryland's proximity to the nation's capital, combined with its robust tech corridors in Baltimore and the surrounding regions, creates exceptional opportunities for you to gain meaningful software development experience. 

Here are 15 software internships for high school students in Maryland, each selected for its focus on technical skill development and genuine career preparation.

Key takeaways

• This list gathers 15 software and technology-focused internships and pre-college programs for Maryland high schoolers, spanning federal research labs, defense contractors, and university computer science programs, with standout hosts including NASA, NSA, Amazon, and Google.

• Pay varies widely, with strong stipends like $4,000 to $4,500 through a Navy research apprenticeship and hourly pay through the NSA's work study program, while a couple of university-run pre-college courses charge tuition instead of paying participants.

• Two of the entries on this list are structured as self-paced or classroom-style courses rather than internship placements, giving students a lower-commitment way to build coding skills alongside the more hands-on lab and research-based options.

• Most of these require being on-site at a specific Maryland research lab or agency, particularly clustered around Fort Meade, Baltimore, and Greenbelt, while Ladder and a couple of virtual programs are open regardless of location.

• A few of the earliest deadlines fall in November for two of the most competitive federal and university-affiliated programs, so it's worth starting applications well before winter break wraps up.

1. NIST Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP)

Location: NIST, Gaithersburg, MD
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: Typically, mid-October – January 26
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors at the time of application

In this prestigious Summer High School Intern Program, you will be placed in one of NIST's federal laboratories. You will work directly with government scientists and engineers on cutting-edge research projects, contributing to real scientific work in computer science, artificial intelligence, and software development. You'll handle laboratory equipment and engage in meaningful coding or data analysis tasks, gaining hands-on experience in a professional research environment. You will attend technical training sessions and research seminars that explain the scientific principles underlying your projects. You will also have the opportunity to present your research findings and contribute to the institute's ongoing work. 

2. Ladder Internships

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies (full financial aid available); Unpaid
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks

Ladder Internships connects you with high-growth startups across diverse technology sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, health tech, and software development, for an immersive remote experience. You will work directly with a startup manager on real projects that contribute to the company's actual business goals, collaborating on tasks ranging from software development to product research and technical implementation. Throughout your internship, you will receive personalized support from a Ladder Coach who provides consistent feedback, helping you navigate workplace challenges and develop professional skills. The program concludes with a final presentation to company leadership, giving you experience communicating technical work to decision-makers. These startups are typically fast-growing, mission-driven companies, providing insight into how modern technology companies operate.

3. Amazon Future Engineer Internship

Location: Various locations across the U.S., including MD + Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Scholarship opportunities up to $40,000 plus paid internships
Dates: Year-round program with summer internship opportunities
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: High school seniors in the U.S. currently enrolled in or who have completed a high school or college dual degree course where computer science is the subject

Amazon's Future Engineer Internship offers you a substantial college scholarship combined with paid summer internship opportunities, specifically designed for high school seniors interested in computer science. If selected, you will complete summer internships embedded on actual Amazon software engineering teams. You'll collaborate with managers, technical mentors, and colleagues on projects affecting millions of customers, working on some of Amazon's most advanced technologies including Amazon Web Services, logistics platforms, and retail systems. Many interns ship production-level code by the internship's end, giving you hands-on experience with real development workflows and code review processes. You'll gain familiarity with Amazon's development practices, learn from experienced engineers, and build a professional network within the company.

4. Stokes Educational Scholarship Program

Location: NSA, Fort Meade, MD 
Cost/Stipend: Free; Scholarship of up to $30,000 per year towards college tuition
Dates: 12 weeks
Application Deadline: Not available
Eligibility: High school seniors planning on majoring in computer science or computer/electrical engineering

As a high school senior planning to major in computer science or computer/electrical engineering, consider the NSA’s prestigious Stokes Educational Scholarship Program. By joining this program, you will earn a year-round salary and receive up to $30,000 annually to cover your college tuition and mandatory fees. During your summer breaks, you will gain hands-on experience through 12-week paid internships at the NSA, working on real-world projects like cybersecurity, networking, and software engineering. Upon graduation, you will be guaranteed full-time employment with the NSA, where you will fulfill a post-degree service commitment equal to one-and-a-half times the length of your sponsored college studies.

5. Johns Hopkins University Engineering Innovation Pre-College Program – Explore Engineering Innovation (EEI)

Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD + Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $1,330 – $10,190 (financial aid offered); Unpaid
Dates: Multiple sessions in the summer; Varies by format
Application Deadline: Early: January 20; Final: May 27
Eligibility: Current high school student with As and Bs in high school STEM courses; Must have completed Algebra II; More info here

Johns Hopkins University's Explore Engineering Innovation (EEI) is a four-week, college-level summer program that gives you the chance to explore five core engineering disciplines – civil, chemical, electrical/computer, mechanical, and materials science – through hands-on labs and collaborative team projects. Your projects include real engineering challenges like testing material properties, designing and building a structurally stable bridge, working with a small bioreactor, and creating an electronic device and then pitching your idea to classmates. Upon successful completion, you’ll earn three transferable Johns Hopkins University credits. 

6. Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) ASPIRE Program

Location: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD 
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Typically 8-9 weeks during summer 
Application Deadline: Typically, January – February
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors (15+) with a minimum 2.8 GPA; More info here

The ASPIRE program at Johns Hopkins' Applied Physics Laboratory allows you to experience STEM careers through an intensive summer internship requiring 30-40 hours per week on-site. You will be paired with APL staff mentors to complete technical projects, solve complex problems, and learn crucial technical and interpersonal skills in a professional research environment. You will work on projects spanning various technical disciplines, including programming and computer science, and contribute meaningfully to the laboratory's research and development efforts. This program requires substantial time commitment but provides you with exceptional experience at one of the nation's premier research institutions.

7. Johns Hopkins University Engineering Innovation Pre-College Program – Intro to Python

Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Multiple sessions in a year
Application Deadline: Early: January 20; Final: May 27
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least 9th grade or recent high school graduates; Must have all As and Bs in high school STEM courses and have completed Algebra II

Johns Hopkins University's Intro to Python teaches you programming fundamentals through real-world projects. The course is offered year-round, so you can complete it on a schedule that fits your other commitments. You'll learn through engaging video lectures featuring practical coding examples, with one optional live study session for additional support and peer interaction. Upon completion, you earn one Johns Hopkins University college credit under a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading option.

8. NSA High School Work Study

Location: NSA, Fort Meade, MD
Cost/Stipend: Free; $15/hour
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Runs during the school year 
Application Deadline: Not specified; Opens on September 1
Eligibility: High school juniors who plan to participate in a school-sponsored work experience program during their senior year; Must live close to the NSA headquarters in Maryland

This program places you at the NSA’s Fort Meade headquarters on a part-time schedule coordinated through your school’s Work Experience Program. Focusing on the computer and engineering technology track, you will tackle hands-on assignments involving software applications, computer systems, and technical support within an active national security environment. Working inside NSA facilities gives you a unique, practical look at how technology operates within a classified federal setting.

9. UMD Geographical Sciences: High School Internship Program (HIP)

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free; $900
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 15 students
Dates: June 15 – July 24
Application Deadline: Early spring annually
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from DC, Maryland, or Virginia who are authorized to work in the U.S.

During this six-week online program, you will work with a University of Maryland faculty member to conduct original research in fields like geospatial analysis, climate modeling, or data-driven environmental studies. Positioned at the intersection of geography and computer science, the experience builds your technical capabilities in coding, geospatial methods, data analysis tools, and analytical scripting. You will showcase your completed research project in an academic-style poster session at the end of the program, giving you authentic experience presenting findings like a professional researcher.

10. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)

Location: Various Department of Navy laboratories across the country, including in Maryland 
Cost/Stipend: Free; $4,000 (new participant stipend), $4,500 (returning participant stipend)
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: August 1 – November 1
Eligibility: U.S. high school students (16+) who have completed at least grade 9 (with some exceptions)

SEAP places you in Department of Navy laboratories throughout the country for hands-on research experiences in a professional setting. You will work directly with Navy scientists and engineers for eight weeks during the summer, participating in real naval research that contributes to Navy missions and technology development. SEAP provides you with mentorship from experienced professionals who will guide you through research projects, teach you laboratory techniques, and expose you to naval science and engineering careers. You'll develop technical skills specific to your research area, which often includes software development, data analysis, or engineering applications. The program includes professional development activities, shadowing opportunities, and networking with military scientists and engineers.

11. CCI Virginia Tech High School Cybersecurity Internship

Location: Virtual 
Cost/Stipend: Free; $2,650
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: 7 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: November 3 – January 31
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and rising first-year college students (17+)

This program kicks off with an intensive two-week bootcamp focused on essential professional and technical cybersecurity skills, followed by a five-week placement at a tech company. Depending on your host organization, your placement may be virtual, hybrid, or in-person, giving you a real-world look into the field. You will gain a broad perspective on how cybersecurity connects with broader technology operations by rotating through roles in software engineering, info security, and product operations. Hosted by Virginia Tech’s Commonwealth Cyber Initiative alongside George Mason University, this experience helps you test-drive a cybersecurity career before deciding on your college major.

12. MITRE

Location: MITRE, Windsor Mill, MD
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid
Acceptance rate: Highly competitive
Dates: 8-10 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling; Spring
Eligibility: Exceptional high school freshmen through seniors; U.S. citizenship required for most positions

Operating out of offices nationwide, MITRE’s summer program will place you in technical project work across cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and engineering. Alongside your primary project, you will participate in structured Learning Tracks, like covering high-demand topics like AI, data science, cyber warfare, and navigation systems, that blend expert-led lectures with hands-on virtual labs. This dual structure ensures you build a broad foundation in emerging technologies, even if your daily project work is narrowly specialized. Working alongside peers ranging from fellow high schoolers to PhD-level candidates, you will gain invaluable experience collaborating in a diverse, professional engineering environment.

13. NASA Goddard Space Club Scholars

Location: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline:  April 17
Eligibility: 10th-12th graders (16+) with a minimum 3.0 GPA; Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents living within 50 miles of NASA Goddard

This six-week program places you directly within active research and engineering teams to experience an authentic federal workplace workflow. Offered by the National Space Club Foundation in partnership with NASA Goddard, the program focuses on technical projects that have historically ranged from flight system refinement and optical navigation to robotics simulation and AI-assisted wildfire detection. Since almost every assignment relies heavily on computer applications, students with a computing background are uniquely equipped to succeed regardless of their specific placement. Working on-site five days a week, you will gain hands-on experience solving real-world aerospace and computing challenges.

14. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes – Introduction To Machine Learning

Location: Virtual 
Cost/Stipend: $3,200 (financial aid is available); Unpaid 
Dates:  Session One: June 15 – 26; Session Two: July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-11 with knowledge of a computer programming language and statistics 

The Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes offers an online Introduction to Machine Learning course that equips you with core techniques to analyze complex data and predict real-world outcomes. Working with Python, you will learn how to preprocess structured data, visualize insights, and build, test, and tune machine learning models. To participate, you should have prior exposure to programming, a working knowledge of statistics, and access to the Anaconda Distribution software. Upon successfully evaluating algorithm performance and building your models, you will showcase your findings through a final presentation project.

15. Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)

Location: Virtual + In-person 
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors planning to study computer science

Google's Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI) is an intensive, three-week program that introduces graduating high school seniors from underrepresented backgrounds to the world of computer science. Each day, you'll participate in hands-on development sessions led alongside Google engineers, who bring real industry perspective and serve as mentors throughout the experience. You'll get an inside look at Google's internship ecosystem and explore what a technical career at one of the world's leading tech companies can look like. The curriculum is built around interactive exercises and team projects that lay a strong foundation in programming, while also sharpening the professional skills you'll need to thrive in the field.

Questions students often ask about these internships

1. Do I need prior coding experience to apply to these software internships?

Not always. Several of these are designed to introduce programming from scratch, so no background is expected going in. A few of the most competitive federal lab programs do favor students with strong coursework, so it's worth checking eligibility closely.

2. A couple of these are courses rather than internships. Do they still count toward a software-focused resume?

Yes, a structured coding course still demonstrates initiative and skill-building, which matters for applications regardless of the exact format. Just describe the experience accurately rather than calling a course an internship.

3. Do I need to already live in Maryland to apply to these internships?

Most of these do require being on-site at a specific Maryland facility or living within commuting distance. Ladder and a couple of the virtual pre-college courses are open regardless of where you live.