16 Summer College Programs for High School Students in Maryland
If you’re a high schooler based in Maryland looking for a way to spend your summer, consider a local summer program!
Summer college programs, particularly, are a solid option if you’re looking to gain a competitive edge and exposure to college-level academics and campus life. It’s an engaging way to develop practical skills, gain industry-specific knowledge, and build a network of peers and mentors—all without the significant financial commitment of a full-time college enrollment. Many of these programs are designed to be low-cost or even fully funded, ensuring that motivated students from all backgrounds can explore their academic and career interests.
In an age where you have many options, finding the right summer college program is crucial. To make this process easier, we have compiled this list of summer college programs for high school students in Maryland. We have prioritized programs that are not only academically rigorous but also offer substantial networking opportunities, are often fully funded, and are hosted by prestigious universities and research institutions.
Here are our top 16 picks for transformative summer college programs for high school students in Maryland.
16 Summer College Programs for High School Students in Maryland
1. AEOP: Research & Engineering Apprenticeship Program (REAP)
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Location: Various universities, including ones in Maryland
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 5-8 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students, with a focus on encouraging participation from students traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields
Sponsored by the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP), the Research & Engineering Apprenticeship Program (REAP) provides an exceptional opportunity for high school students to engage in authentic research. REAP Programs are available at several universities across the country, including Morgan State University. In this program, you’ll get to work on a hands-on research project under the direct guidance of a faculty mentor. It’s a great way to learn and apply advanced STEM skills, as well as gain exposure to university-level research.
2. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 8 students (in-person)
Location: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD + a virtual experience
Cost/Stipend: No costs; $15/hour (in-person); The virtual experience is unpaid
Dates: 8-5 weeks from June – August
Application Deadline: December 1 – March 1
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors and seniors, with a preference for students from Baltimore City public schools, for the in-person program
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a highly competitive summer research program designed for high school students with an interest in neuroscience and medicine. As a participant, you can choose to engage in either an in-person or virtual format. The program combines laboratory research with clinical shadowing opportunities, allowing you to understand the connection between scientific discovery and patient care. You will learn key laboratory techniques, participate in data analysis, and contribute to the presentation of research findings.
3. United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; Approximately 2,500 students are selected to attend one of three sessions
Location: United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD
Cost: $550
Dates: May 31 – June 5; June 7 – June 12; June 14 – June 19
Application Deadline: March 31; Rolling
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who demonstrate strong academic and extracurricular achievements
The United States Naval Academy (USNA) Summer Seminar offers a rare glimpse into life as a midshipman. It is a fast-paced, six-day program designed to challenge you academically, physically, and mentally. You will reside in Bancroft Hall, engage in a demanding daily routine as a midshipman, and take part in academic and leadership development workshops. The seminar provides a comprehensive overview of the Naval Academy's academic programs, athletic opportunities, and extracurricular activities. It is a highly sought-after program for students who are serious about applying to the USNA.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students that allows you to work with university professors. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
5. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Location: Varies by lab, including ones in Maryland
Cost/Stipend: None; $4,000 (new participants) & $4,500 (returning participants)
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: U.S. high school students (16+) who have completed 9th grade to seniors who are graduating
SEAP (Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program) is a summer internship program run by the Department of the Navy, which places high school students in Department of Defense laboratories. In Maryland, the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) is a key participant, offering the chance to work on cutting-edge research projects. This eight-week program provides you with valuable hands-on experience in a variety of STEM fields, from computer science to materials science. Under the guidance of a mentor, you’ll get the chance to contribute to tangible research and even present your findings at the end of the program.
6. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Summer Student Volunteer Program
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Location: FDA White Oak Campus, Silver Spring, MD
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Varies by position
Application Deadline: Varies by position
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens and at least 16 years old
The FDA’s Summer Student Volunteer Program offers a fantastic opportunity for high school students to gain firsthand experience in public health and government regulation. Based at the FDA's White Oak campus, you will be matched with mentors and contribute to projects related to food safety, drug evaluation, medical devices, and biomedical research. While unpaid, this program offers a rare opportunity to engage in meaningful work that supports the FDA's mission to protect public health, including attending workshops, seminars, and networking events. This program provides an unparalleled look into the intersection of science, policy, and health, making it ideal for students considering careers in medicine, research, or public service.
7. Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) ASPIRE Program
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 10%
Location: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: 6-8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: January 1 – February 15
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors and seniors (15+) with a GPA of 2.8 minimum; More details here
ASPIRE (APL's Student Program for Inspiring and Reaching Excellence) is a mentoring program for high school students at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). This program provides the chance to explore STEM careers by working on real-world projects alongside APL scientists and engineers. It is project-based and allows you to gain practical experience in your area of interest. ASPIRE is an excellent opportunity for students to develop technical skills, learn about the professional research environment, and build a network of mentors. This is among the leading summer college programs for high school students in Maryland interested in applied sciences and engineering.
8. University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB): CURE Scholars Program
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD
Cost: Fully funded
Dates: Year-round program with an intensive summer component
Application Deadline: September 22
Eligibility: 6th-10th graders attending a partner school in West Baltimore
The UMB CURE Scholars Program is a multi-year pipeline program that begins as early as middle school and provides support to students through high school and college. The program focuses on preparing students from West Baltimore for a career in healthcare and research, with an emphasis on cancer research. The summer component is an enrichment experience, providing hands-on research exposure in laboratories at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. You’ll get to work with faculty mentors throughout the year, engaging in workshops and developing a deep understanding of scientific inquiry. While this is a long-term commitment, the summer experiences are a core component and provide incredible depth of knowledge.
9. NASA OSTEM Internships
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Location: Virtual + various NASA centers, including Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Cost/Stipend: None; Paid
Dates: 10 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: U.S. high school students (16+) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
NASA’s OSTEM offers a variety of summer internship opportunities for high school students. These internships provide a rare and valuable opportunity to work on projects that support NASA's missions in Earth science, astrophysics, heliophysics, and planetary science. As an intern, you will be paired with a NASA scientist and contribute to their ongoing research, which could involve data analysis, software development, engineering design, or scientific research. This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of the nation's space exploration efforts and to gain hands-on experience in a highly collaborative and innovative environment.
10. University of Maryland: Women in Engineering (WIE) Summer Program
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Cost: $1,500; Scholarships available
Dates: July 6 – 11
Application Deadline: Spring (tentative)
Eligibility: Rising high school junior and senior girls
The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland offers a unique 5-day summer program specifically for high school girls interested in engineering. It aims to introduce young women to the various fields of engineering through hands-on activities, lab tours, and interactions with faculty and current students. Each day of the program involves engagement with different engineering disciplines, from aerospace to mechanical. There are plenty of hands-on engineering design projects you will take part in, which will help you understand the interdisciplinary nature of engineering. It serves as a solid introduction to the opportunities available in engineering.
11. Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA): Pre-College Program
Acceptance Rate Selective
Location: Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, MD
Cost:
Residential: 2-Week Session ($3,660); 4-Week Session ($7,320)
Commuter: 2-Week Session ($2,600); 4-Week Session ($5,200)
$25 application fee
Need-based financial assistance offered
Dates: 2-week (session 1): June 30 – July 11 & (session 2): July 14 – 25; 4-week session: June 30 – July 25
Application Deadline: November 1 – January 1 (priority) or April 30 (final)
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-17
For artistically inclined high school students, the Pre-College Program at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is an exceptional opportunity to develop their talents and prepare for a creative career. This comprehensive multi-week residential program provides an opportunity to experience life at a renowned top-ranked art and design college. Both two- and four-week session options are available, as well as residential and commuter options. Regardless of the format, you will have to choose a major and take college-level studio classes, building a strong portfolio for your college applications. Majors include topics like 2D Animation, Accessory Design, Illustration, Interdisciplinary Art, and Film Photography.
12. University of Maryland: Terp Young Scholars Program
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Cost: Commuter: $1,730; Online: $1,365; Financial assistance offered
Dates: July 14 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 7 – June 1
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a strong academic record
The Terp Young Scholars Program at the University of Maryland, College Park, welcomes high-achieving high school students to engage in college-level academic experiences over a three-week summer session. Both commuter and fully online options are available, wherein you will enroll in a three-credit undergraduate course and learn alongside current UMD students. This program offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines, from STEM to the humanities. It provides an authentic taste of college-level coursework, academic expectations, and campus life at a major research university.
13. Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program
Acceptance Rate: Not very selective
Location: Online
Cost: Enrichment courses: $1,795; College credit courses: $3,995; Need-based scholarships available
Dates: The program is available year-round with courses of varying lengths (1-12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 13 years and older
If you’re looking for a highly flexible option, Georgetown University's Pre-College Online Program offers a chance to engage with a prestigious institution from anywhere, at any time. This program features a wide range of self-paced enrichment and for-credit courses created by Georgetown faculty, covering subjects from medicine and law to international relations. Unlike traditional summer programs, these courses are available year-round, allowing you to fit a rigorous academic experience into your unique schedules. The format is designed for accessibility, providing dynamic video lessons and support from mentors (for enrichment) or TAs (for credit courses) to guide you through the material.
14. Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Information not specified
Location: Multiple locations, including Maryland
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipend of $125/week
Dates: Varies by location, but programs are hosted between June and August
Application Deadline: March – April
Eligibility: Students in grades 5-12
The GEMS program at WRAIR provides a unique opportunity for middle and high school students to engage in hands-on STEM activities at a premier military research facility. This program allows you to learn from near-peer mentors (college students) under the guidance of WRAIR scientists. There is a strong focus on practical, inquiry-based learning in a lab-based environment. While not a college-credit program, it is an excellent introduction to the world of scientific research and a rare opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge U.S. Army research.
15. Morgan State University: Summer Academy of Actuarial and Mathematical Sciences (SAAMS)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Location: Hybrid; In-person at Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD
Stipend: Paid
Dates: June 30 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 28 (priority); April 30 (general)
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders as well as graduating seniors
The Summer Academy of Actuarial and Mathematical Sciences (SAAMS) at Morgan State University is a program designed to encourage high school students to pursue careers in the fields of mathematics, statistics, and actuarial science. This four-week, fully online program provides rigorous mathematics instruction, as well as exposure to the actuarial profession through guest speakers and field trips. If you are serious about strengthening your mathematical skills, whether for participation in Olympiads or in readiness for college-level math, this course is a great option.
16. Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR): High School Internship Program
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Location: Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD
Stipend: Paid
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (16+)
The Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), a joint research enterprise of the University of Maryland and NIST, offers a summer internship program for high school students from Montgomery County Public Schools. This eight-week program provides an outstanding opportunity if you’re interested in biotechnology and biomedical research to gain hands-on laboratory experience. As an intern, you’ll work directly with an IBBR scientist on a dedicated research project, learning key laboratory techniques and contributing to ongoing research. This program is a highly intensive and prestigious opportunity to contribute to the rapidly growing field of biotechnology.
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