Find education and internship opps at Maryland’s federal agencies in this database

The federal presence in Maryland is home to a big portion of the tech and engineering workforce in the state. These national labs, health research agencies and military bases are also offering opportunities for students to get experience.

Middle schoolers can explore robotics at Aberdeen Proving Ground, for instance, or there are chances to discover how scientists are studying the Chesapeake Bay at Anne Arundel County’s Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.

Those are just a few of the opportunities listed in a new database that was compiled by the Maryland Department of Commerce.

Dubbed STEMConnect, the database was created by the department’s Office of Military and Federal Affairs to provide information to students, parents and educators.

“Federal agencies and military commands throughout our state offer outstanding opportunities for children of all ages to explore jobs and career paths in science, technology, engineering, and math — careers that are critical to our nation, our state and our economy,” Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly Schulz said in a statement. “Whether a student is curious about aerospace, engineering, environmental science, or cybersecurity, STEM Connect can spark interest in these areas, open doors to learning experiences, and set a path toward a successful career.”

It provides a searchable look at opportunities including educational visits, internships and apprenticeships stretching across the state’s federal footprint. It’s also broken down by age group, such as middle school or college. With the launch this month, 100 opportunities are currently listed.