Sprinternship
Application Deadlines
Applications for 2026 Sprinternships are closed.
A Sprinternship™ is a full-time, paid micro-internship program that connects companies with a pipeline of emerging tech talent from across the country. The University of Maryland Computing Catalyst partners with Break Through Tech to deliver 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.
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:
- First- or second-year degree-seeking undergraduates at UMD in Fall 2025 or part of the Freshman Connection program
- Not completed more than 90 undergraduate credits
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA (for continuing students)
- Do not receive an early warning grade in Fall 2025 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 2026, including at UMD
- Must reside in the United States in January 2026
- 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
- 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?
No, the Sprinternship™ program is exclusively for undergraduate students who have not previously held a computing internship, Sprinternship™ or job.
Does it matter where I live during winter break?
You must reside in the U.S. during your Sprinternship™.
Will I need to commute to my Sprinternship™?
Very few virtual options are available; most Sprinternships™ will require you to commute three to five days per week to a workplace in the Maryland/DC/Northern Virginia area. If selected for the program, you can indicate your preferred location, but it is not guaranteed.
Are housing and/or transportation provided?
Housing and transportation are not provided, though we can help with metro cards and public transportation assistance.
Can I do Sprinternship™ while taking a winter session course?
You cannot take a class or have other work obligations during the Sprinternship™.
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 visit this page.
