NextGen Founders: Building Howard County’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

This summer, high school and college students gained more than work experience through our 2026 summer internship program. They spent the summer working alongside our business units and Maryland Innovation Center companies while building the skills, connections and confidence to take their next steps. Through the Summer 2026 Youth in Business Series: NextGen Founders, interns also explored what it takes to build a career, develop an idea and think like an entrepreneur.

The five-week Youth in Business Series gave young people ages 16 to 24 direct access to local business leaders, entrepreneurs and experts through interactive workshops, panel discussions and real-world conversations.

Each week tackled a different part of professional and entrepreneurial growth, including:

The series wrapped up with an **entrepreneur panel and professional headshots**, giving participants an opportunity to learn directly from founders while leaving with another tool to help build their professional presence.

The learning didn’t stop with the workshops. Throughout the summer, interns put those lessons into practice while working within our business units and alongside companies at the Maryland Innovation Center.

Students gained firsthand exposure to professional workplaces while contributing to real projects and learning from the businesses and professionals around them. That combination of hands-on experience and professional development gave participants a closer look at career opportunities in business, technology, entrepreneurship and economic development.

Connecting students with employers and entrepreneurs helps strengthen Howard County’s future workforce.

Programs like NextGen Founders give young people opportunities to build professional skills, explore career paths and develop relationships with the people and organizations already growing businesses in Howard County. By creating those connections early, we’re helping prepare the next generation to turn their ideas and skills into action.

Thank you to the Howard County Office of Workforce Development, Howard County Public School System, Howard Community College, Howard County Library System, Maryland Business Opportunity Center, and Maryland Innovation Center Entrepreneurs-in-Residence for supporting this summer’s program.