2025 STEMcx Paid High School Internship Application
Your Launchpad to a Bright Future in STEM. Are you ready to explore the cutting-edge world of STEM, gain hands-on experience, and earn while you learn? The STEMcx Summer Internship Program is an immersive, eight-week adventure designed to empower underrepresented minorities (URMs) in Baltimore and beyond. Dive Into STEM: Explore six distinct STEM disciplines with real-world projects, mentorship, and exciting challenges that will ignite your curiosity and creativity. Get Paid to Learn: Earn $15.00 per hour for 160 hours of engagement, adding up to a $2,400 stipend for your hard work this summer. Build Your Future: This program is more than just an internship—it’s your chance to build skills, make connections, and gain experience that will set you apart.STEMcx is the educational arm of Transforming Lives Community Development Corporation (TLCDC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering Baltimore’s youth. We’re on a mission to break barriers and provide underrepresented minorities with the tools and opportunities to excel in STEM. Program Details: Dates: June 16 - August 9. Time Commitment: 160 hours of engagement over eight weeks. Cohort Size: Eight interns will be selected for each of the six disciplines.This is more than just a summer internship—it’s your chance to take a bold step toward your future in STEM, surrounded by mentors and a supportive community that believes in your potential. Are you ready to create, innovate, and inspire? Apply now and join the STEMcx movement!
Eligibility:
This internship is specifically intended for underrepresented minorities (URMs) in STEM. Underrepresented in STEM refers to racial and ethnic groups that are underrepresented in STEM fields compared to their representation in the general population, including Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, and Alaska Native individuals. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, rising sophomores, juniors or rising seniors, and reside in Baltimore City or the surrounding counties. PLEASE NOTE TO APPLY FOR THE HEALTHCARE DISCIPLINE YOU MUST BE 16. Only U.S. citizens are eligible to apply. Applicants may participate in the STEMcx Paid Internship Summer Program only once.
Important Dates:
Applications open January 6th and close February 22nd. Interviews will be held Feb 24th-March 12th. Selected interns will be notified on March 14th.
Internship Structure:
This isn’t your typical internship—it’s an adventure in experiential learning. Get ready to step out of the classroom and into the real world as you visit exciting locations across Maryland (and potentially beyond!) each week. On-the-Go Learning: Whether it’s academic work, shadowing professionals, or field site visits, most weeks will bring new opportunities to immerse yourself in the world of your chosen field. For trips within Baltimore, you’ll be responsible for your own transportation. But don’t worry—when it comes to longer-distance adventures, we’ve got you covered with arranged transportation. Each intern will receive a book tied to their area of study, with a chance to join a group discussion with the author. This is your chance to dive deeper into your field and engage with thought leaders. The final internship schedule is being fine-tuned, but expect to be at different locations around the city, with varying times throughout the summer. The finalized calendar will be released by the end of February. This internship is designed to give you real-world exposure, hands-on learning, and the opportunity to connect with professionals who are shaping the future.
Field Trips:
Field trips are more than just an exciting part of the STEMcx Internship Program—they’re essential to your success! Participation in these immersive experiences is required to complete the program and earn your $2,400 stipend. Every field trip is a chance to explore, connect, and grow. From networking with STEM professionals to experiencing the college environment, these trips are designed to expand your horizons and open doors to your future. Dive into activities directly tied to your internship focus, taking your learning to the next level. The Highlight is a Week-Long STEM Adventure in North Carolina. From July 13 to July 18, pack your bags for a thrilling trip to North Carolina State University. Experience life at one of the top STEM institutions while staying right in the heart of innovation. Explore other top universities and learn about programs that align with your STEM dreams. Permission Required: A signed field trip permission form is mandatory for this trip and all others. Travel, accommodations, and all program costs for the North Carolina trip are fully funded by the internship.
Attendance and Conduct Policy:
This internship is an incredible opportunity, but it requires your full commitment to make the most of it. Attendance is Non-Negotiable: Interns must be available for the entire eight-week program, including all meetings, group discussions, and field trips—both virtual and in-person. This also includes the closing ceremony on August 9th, where we’ll celebrate your achievements. Reliable Transportation is a Must: With activities happening at various locations across the city, having dependable transportation is essential to ensure you can participate fully. To earn your full stipend, you must complete the program successfully. While we understand emergencies happen, all absences must be communicated with program leaders in advance and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Behavior Matters: Professionalism is key. Appropriate conduct and attire are required at all times. Behavioral issues could result in immediate removal from the program, so bring your best self every day. Important: A tentative schedule will be shared by February 15th, with the final calendar released by the end of February. Times and locations may vary, so stay flexible and prepared for an exciting summer packed with hands-on experiences.
Photographs:
By submitting this application, you grant STEMcx and its affiliates permission to use your photo for promotional purposes related to any STEMcx program, both in print and online.
Internship subject areas:
Please apply to no more than two distinct STEM disciplines. For each application, you must submit a separate form and indicate your preference in the personal statement as instructed below. Descriptions of each STEM dicipline are provided below.
Cybersecurity and Coding
Explore the exciting world of cybersecurity and programming with this immersive eight-week internship. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already have some experience, this program will sharpen your coding skills, boost your problem-solving abilities, and take your creativity to new heights. Participate in a hands-on coding boot camp where you’ll learn to code from scratch or build on your existing knowledge. By the end, you’ll have the skills to create and launch your very own coding project. You will learn from Industry Pros and work virtually with developers from BlueVoyant, a cutting-edge cybersecurity company, in group sessions and one-on-one mentorship. These seasoned professionals will guide you through complex coding challenges, help debug your work, and provide insights into coding. For the Cybersecurity portion, you will attend an in-person, three-week cybersecurity workshop taught by an expert and based on the acclaimed Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory Cybersecurity curriculum. Explore how cybersecurity and coding go hand in hand while developing skills that are in high demand. At the end of the internship, you’ll receive a Raspberry Pi and embark on a challenge to build and present a unique coding project that showcases all the principles you’ve learned. Your final project will be judged by a panel of engineers, with awards and prizes for standout work at the closing ceremony. You will join field trips and site visits to see tech innovation in action and volunteer at a robotics camp, inspiring the next generation of tech enthusiasts while sharpening your leadership skills. Your Instructors: Tanner Clark: Senior Software Engineer at BlueVoyant with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics from James Madison University, bringing a wealth of coding expertise and enthusiasm to the program. Isaiah Corley: Cybersecurity Architect and Technical Director at Palo Alto Networks with a Master’s in Cybersecurity Analysis and an MBA from the University of Maryland, ready to share his deep knowledge of the cybersecurity world.
Healthcare and Healthcare Inequities
Embark on a transformative journey into the medical and healthcare fields with our dynamic internship program, designed to equip you with the skills and insights essential for a successful career. Explore esteemed institutions, including Howard University Medical and Dental Schools and the University of Maryland Medical School, gaining firsthand insight into medical education pathways. Work alongside experienced physicians across various specialties, observing patient care and clinical decision-making in real-time. Take part in specialized Department Visits such as the Perioperative and Procedural Services at UM Medical Center, University of Maryland Shock Trauma Unit, Sinai Hospital Surgical Observations, Kaiser Permanente Simulation Lab, and NIH Medical Research Lab. Interns will visit the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia spending two immersive days at a leading pediatric hospital, observing specialized child healthcare delivery. Interns will learn about diverse routes to medical education, broadening your perspective on career planning and earning a vital certification from the Red Cross, enhancing your emergency response capabilities. Lastly, interns will investigate disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, contributing to meaningful solutions. They will collaborate with a mentor from the American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant Program (ACS-IRG) or the Diversity in Cancer Research Program (DICR) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, receiving personalized guidance and support. Interns will conclude the internship by creating and presenting a research poster, showcasing your findings and analytical skills.
Environmental Justice
Have you ever wondered: What really happened to the water in Flint, Michigan? Or why Baltimore City’s water turned brown? This internship invites you to uncover the answers and take part in the fight for clean, sustainable water in our communities. Kick off with an immersive week at the Baltimore Department of Public Works, where you’ll delve into the city’s water infrastructure and learn how clean water makes its way to our homes. Behind-the-Scenes Field Trips: Witness the water treatment process in action at the Baltimore City and Washington, D.C. Water Filtration Plants. Visit the Morgan State University Patuxent Environmental & Aquatic Research Laboratory (PEARL) and see cutting-edge aquatic research in action. Meet Serena Coleman McIlwain, Maryland’s Secretary of the Environment, for an exclusive insider’s look at tackling environmental challenges. Then join a virtual session with Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, the whistleblower who exposed the Flint water crisis and author of What the Eyes Don’t See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City. Learn about the power of resilience and advocacy in the face of injustice. You will collaborate with top organizations and research teams as you work on one of three impactful projects: Study environmental contaminants at the Laboratory for Environmental Contaminants at Coppin State University, partner with Blue Water Baltimore to investigate water quality in local streams or join forces with the Department of Public Works to address real-world water challenges.You’ll contribute to tasks like data collection, site selection, and analysis—all while gaining practical research experience. Lastly, end the program by presenting your findings in a professional academic poster presentation that highlights your impact on water sustainability. Meet Your Advisor: Dr. Royce Francis, Associate Professor of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering at George Washington University, will guide your journey. With a Ph.D. in Engineering and Public Policy and Civil and Environmental Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, Dr. Francis brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for solving environmental challenges.
Architecture
Step into the exciting world of architecture and urban design with this dynamic internship, designed to ignite your creativity and build the skills you need to succeed in this field. First, build foundational skills with hands-on instruction in essential architectural concepts, including 3D modeling and design software, to bring your ideas to life. Go behind the scenes during weekly visits to local architectural firms and community build organizations. Meet architects and their teams to gain invaluable insights into potential career paths. Work with a team of fellow interns on an in-class building project that hones your creativity and teamwork and participate in weekly sketching sessions to develop your design thinking and artistic skills. Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, contributing to real-world community projects and take part in an exciting day-long workshop featuring 3D printing, where you’ll craft your own build project. Lastly, collaborate with Parks and People on a groundbreaking initiative with The Equitable Network. Design a multimodal trail connecting Druid Hill Park and Carroll Park, two of Baltimore’s largest and most historic parks. Help reimagine Baltimore’s Green Trail Network by creating accessible routes through underserved neighborhoods, making outdoor spaces available to all residents. Wrap up your experience by presenting your designs and research in a professional academic poster at the program’s closing ceremony. Your Advisor: Learn from Darius White, Director of Park Projects at the Parks & People Foundation and adjunct architectural professor at the University of the District of Columbia. A Morgan State University graduate with a Master’s in City and Regional Planning, Darius brings a wealth of experience and a passion for designing inclusive, community-driven spaces.
Space Exploration
Take your passion for aerospace engineering to new heights—literally! This hands-on, cutting-edge internship gives you the opportunity to build and launch your very own aerial quadcopter drone satellite. You’ll start from scratch, learning about essential components like motors, propellers, and the flight controller, and understanding how they all work together to make your drone fly. You’ll wire everything up, gaining practical experience with electrical systems and ensuring power is efficiently distributed across the drone. You’ll also dive into coding to control the flight controller, mission controller, and sensors, customizing your drone’s behavior. Throughout the process, you’ll troubleshoot issues, fine-tune performance, and develop a deep understanding of flight dynamics, control systems, and aerodynamics. Once your drone platform is complete, you’ll attach custom payloads to create a satellite designed to collect specific data. Finally, you’ll deploy your drone satellite and analyze the data your team has gathered. It's a unique chance to blend engineering, coding, and real-world problem-solving in an exciting aerospace project! Your advisors: Amadou Wade, a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park, a Patti Grace Fellow, and a member of the nationally recognized Terrapin Rocket Team. He’s also the founder of Build Young Minds Inc. and an alumnus of the STEMcx internship program. Tyrone Adams, CEO of Anysolv Technologies Inc., who brings over 35 years of expertise in software and systems engineering. With more than 25 years dedicated to developing control centers for surface transportation systems and NASA satellites, Tyrone’s academic credentials include a double major in Mathematics and Physics from Frostburg State University and a Master’s Certificate in Space Operations from Capitol College. Both bring invaluable expertise and inspiration to guide your journey into the exciting world of aerospace.
Which discipline are you applying for? (Please choose only one.) If you are applying for a second discipline submit a separate application.
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Please Select
Cybersecurity and Coding
Healthcare and Healthcare Inequities
Environmental Justice
Architecture
Space Exploration
Race/Ethnicity: To be eligible, you must identify as part of one of the underrepresented minority groups in STEM listed below. Please select your race/ethnicity group from the options provided.
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Grade: You must be 15 years of age or older to apply. Students graduating from high school in May 2025 are not eligible. Students applying for Healthcare MUST BE 16.
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Rising 10th grader
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If you are accepted into the program, will the intern be able to submit a W9 form with your Social Security number for stipend payment?
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Are you a US citizen?
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Previous experience is not required, but your application should demonstrate a genuine interest in the selected field. Please submit a statement of interest explaining why you are a strong fit for this internship. If you are applying for a second internship, be sure to list your preferences in order of priority. Your statement should be between 400-500 words. (Note: For AI-Driven Software Engineering some coding experience is recommended.)
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Please include at least two reference letters from a teacher, coach, or extracurricular advisor (either current or past). There is no specific format for the letter, but generally, it should describe the reference's relationship to you, including how they know you and for how long. The letter should also explain why they believe you would be a strong fit for the internship and what you can contribute to the organization. It may be helpful for the reference to provide examples of your skills, qualities, or accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications.
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Commitment: I commit to fully participating in the program, including attending all field trips, sessions, and the closing ceremony.
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No, I have a conflict (please explain below)
Please explain your conflict.
If you have applied for either the Cybersecurity or Space disciplines, please complete the responses below. If you did not apply for these disciplines, you may proceed with submitting your application.
Have you taken any coding classes in school? If so, please list them and add a description.
Have you done any coding outside the classroom? This may include coding clubs or coding projects at home. If so, please provide a description.
Have you ever used a microcontroller such as an Arduino or a single board computer such as a Raspberry Pi? If so, please provide details..
Write a program using Python or another programming language of your choice that functions as a calculator. The program should prompt the user to input two numbers and choose an operation. It should then perform the selected operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division) on the two numbers and display the result. Each operation should be implemented in its own function, and these functions should be called from the main program. DO NOT use a code generator including ChatGPT to generate the code. Once completed, upload your program here. You will be asked to speak to your program in the interview.
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