A proven model with a documented return on every dollar.
Defense Interns is a Maryland 501(c)(3) building a credentialed defense workforce pipeline. Every grant we have received has produced measurable outcomes: students placed, certifications earned, employer commitments secured, and state-level recognition. The proof is below.
Funded, recognized, and replicating.
Every item below represents a publicly verifiable commitment to Defense Interns: a grant award, a state honor, or a partnership that strengthens the pipeline.
$150,000 awarded under the Maryland Lighthouse Industries and AI Internship Program
A full-amount award from the Maryland Department of Labor's Cyber Maryland Program. Funding supports placement of 20 college-level interns across an 11-member defense contractor consortium, training delivery aligned to DoD 8570/8140 credentials, and 12-month post-program employment tracking. Grant active through March 2027.
View the grant program overview
DI participant named Maryland's 2024 Youth Apprentice of the Year by Gov. Wes Moore
Franzy Servano, a Joppatowne High School senior and P-TECH student in the DI program, received personal recognition from the Governor. State-level validation of the model.
Read the news coverage
HCPS awarded Perkins Reserve Grant to expand apprenticeships through DI
Funds expansion of the IT & Cybersecurity Registered Apprenticeship program from 4 to 8 students annually, with HCPS as lead applicant and Defense Interns as the apprenticeship operator.
Read the HCPS announcement
Partners Involved in Shaping the Future
These organizations understand the importance of integrating interns into their places of business, helping source interns and playing a bigger role in the community.
See all partners
Mercantile Processing Inc. donated Microsoft Surface Books for incoming interns
Community partner contribution that removed a practical barrier for students starting technical placements.
View MPI's Services
Bridging the gap between education & defense
How DI works with schools to funnel students to Defense Contractor Organizations.
See How It WorksEvery grant we have received has been deployed to a documented outcome: state recognition, employer commitment, or a student placed with credentials in hand. That is the audit trail funders deserve.
Let's discuss the next investment.
We are actively building the case for federal, foundation, and corporate workforce development funding to scale this model beyond Maryland. We would value the conversation.