Sprinternship

Application Deadlines

Applications for 2027 Sprinternships will open in September 2026.

A Sprinternship™ is a full-time, paid micro-internship program that connects companies with a pipeline of emerging tech talent from the University of Maryland. The UMD Computing Catalyst delivers Sprinternships™ in the D.C. Metro area.

During the program, undergraduate students, known as Sprinterns™, work in cohorts to collaborate with technical advisors to tackle meaningful tech challenges. Participating companies host these students in on-site, hybrid or remote work environments, offering technical mentorship and exposure to company culture and mission.

This experience offers students valuable industry exposure and a resume-worthy credential that has been shown to open doors—both within the host organization’s talent pipeline and with other employers. The Sprinternship program concept originated from Break Through Tech.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible for the Sprinternship™ program?

Sprinternship™ is open to all University of Maryland students who meet the following eligibility requirements:

Priority for second- and third-year degree-seeking undergraduates at UMD in Fall 2026 or part of the Freshman Connection program (though all undergraduates are welcome to apply)
Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA (for continuing students)
Do not receive an early warning grade in Fall 2026 computing class(es) (for first-semester students)
Currently or previously enrolled in at least one (preferably two) computing course(s) (or have received equivalent AP or transfer credit): BMGT 302, CMSC 106, 122, 125, 131 or higher, INST 123, 126 or higher, IMDM 127 or higher, ENME 202 or higher, GEOG 276 or higher, or PHYS 265
Eligible to work in the United States in January 2027, including at UMD
Must reside in the United States in January 2027
Must be 18 years of age or older
Able to work a standard 40-hour workweek for the duration of the Sprinternship™ (no other classes or employment)
Preference given to students who have participated in TechStart and/or Career Launch
Have not previously had a computing internship, Sprinternship™ or job

I’ve already had a tech-related internship—can I still participate in the Sprinternship™ program?

Does it matter where I live during winter break?

Will I need to commute to my Sprinternship™?

Are housing and/or transportation provided?

Can I do Sprinternship™ while taking a winter session course?

How does the Computing Catalyst work with Sprinternship™ host companies?

The University of Maryland Computing Catalyst works alongside Sprinternship™ host companies to build a pipeline of highly qualified undergraduate students while providing current host company employees the opportunity to hone their leadership skills and mentor the next generation of tech talent.

If you would like to learn more about how your organization can host a cohort of Sprinterns™, please fill out this form.