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.
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 coverageHCPS 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 announcement25 defense contractor host employers committed
The consortium has more than doubled, now spanning cybersecurity, systems integration, defense IT, and AI services across the Maryland defense corridor and beyond.
See all partnersMercantile Processing Inc. donated Microsoft Surface Books for incoming interns
Community partner contribution that removed a practical barrier for students starting technical placements.
The Defense Interns rotation model, in plain language
A short, shareable program overview suitable for funder briefings or board introductions.
Watch the videoFeatured in Harford County Public Schools district communications
DI highlighted as a model registered apprenticeship pathway connecting CTE students to Aberdeen Proving Ground employers.
View the publicationEvery 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.