Extracurriculars & Programs in Maryland for High School Students

Maryland punches above its weight through NIH, NASA Goddard, and Johns Hopkins programs — some of the most selective research placements available to high schoolers anywhere.

20 verified programs match this page; 17 of the featured listings are completely free; 1 can be done online.

Featured programs

Browse 20+ curated programs for high school students:

  • USA Physics Olympiad — AAPT: Compete in the elite USA Physics Olympiad to sharpen problem-solving skills, enhance college applications, and aim for the International Physics Olymp
  • Johns Hopkins Global Health Leaders Conference — Johns Hopkins University: Global health leadership conference at Johns Hopkins for high school students interested in medicine and public health.
  • International Brain Bee - USA Finals — International Brain Bee: USA national championship in neuroscience. Winner to international competition.
  • Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) — National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): Explore an exciting summer high school research internship in STEM! Gain hands-on experience in materials, cybersecurity, and metrology to boost colle
  • NIH High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP) — National Institutes of Health (OITE): Explore biomedical research through a paid summer internship at NIH labs. Gain hands-on STEM experience, boost college applications, and work with top
  • National History Day (NHD) — National History Day: Explore history through research, writing, and creative projects in this hybrid competition. Build skills, enhance college applications, and showcase
  • Johns Hopkins Pre-College Program — Johns Hopkins University: Pre-college programs at Johns Hopkins University for high school students in Baltimore.
  • Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Internships — Smithsonian Institution: Explore hands-on high school research internships in environmental science at the Smithsonian. Build skills in ecology, boost college applications, an
  • NIH Summer Internship Program — National Institutes of Health: Eight-week paid research internship at National Institutes of Health. Work alongside NIH scientists on biomedical research projects.
  • NIH Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research — National Institutes of Health: Paid 8-week research internship at NIH. Work with leading scientists.
  • U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar — USNA: Explore leadership and military training at this free summer program for high school juniors. Build skills, gain hands-on experience, and strengthen c
  • USNA Summer Seminar — United States Naval Academy: Explore leadership, engineering, and service skills in this immersive summer program. Boost college applications with hands-on teamwork and real-world
  • Howard Hughes Medical Institute Science Education Fellowship — Howard Hughes Medical Institute: Biomedical science fellowship from HHMI supporting exceptional young scientists and science educators.
  • U.S. Physics Olympiad (USAPhO & F=ma) — American Association of Physics Teachers: Challenge your problem-solving skills in the U.S. Physics Olympiad, a free online competition for grades 9-12. Boost college applications and join top
  • U.S. Naval Academy Summer STEM Program — United States Naval Academy: Hands-on engineering and design camp on the USNA campus for grades 9-11.
  • National History Day Special Prizes — National History Day / Various Organizations: Compete for special prizes at National History Day! Middle and high school students develop research skills, earn recognition, and boost college appli
  • The Global Health Leaders Conference — Johns Hopkins University: Pre-college program at Johns Hopkins University for high school students focusing on global health, public health, and medicine.
  • McDaniel College Summer Science Academy — McDaniel College: Summer science academy at McDaniel College focused on kinesiology and exercise science for high school students.
  • St. John's College Summer Academy — St. John's College: Week-long great books seminars for students ages 15-18 on St. John's College's Annapolis and Santa Fe campuses; discussion classes of 20 or fewer led
  • High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP) — National Institutes of Health: Five-week paid NIH summer program ($2,150 stipend) in Bethesda, MD for rising seniors from DC/MD/VA schools with 30%+ free-or-reduced-lunch enrollment

Frequently asked questions

How many maryland programs are listed for high school students?

ExtracurricularHub currently lists 20 verified maryland opportunities for high school students, each with cost, eligibility, deadline, and an official application link.

Are any of these maryland programs free?

Yes — 17 of the programs featured on this page charge no participation fee. Free programs are often funded and can be more selective, so apply early.

Which deadlines are coming up soonest?

The next deadlines: Howard Hughes Medical Institute Science Education Fellowship (January 15, 2027); USA Physics Olympiad (January 20, 2027); U.S. Physics Olympiad (USAPhO & F=ma) (January 20, 2027). Deadlines change every cycle — always confirm on the program's official site.

Do I have to live in Maryland to participate?

Most in-person programs based in Maryland accept applicants from anywhere, though some give preference to local students. Residential summer programs typically accept students nationwide — check each listing's eligibility.