MBA Announces Partnership with University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business to Launch Statewide Banking Fellows Program

The Maryland Bankers Association (MBA) today announced a new partnership with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business to launch a statewide Smith Banking Fellows Program designed to prepare high-achieving undergraduate students for careers in Maryland’s banking industry through a coordinated academic, experiential, and professional development model.

The program is built on a three-part partnership that brings together rigorous academic instruction from the University of Maryland, paid summer internship opportunities provided by MBA member banks, and professional development, industry exposure, and training facilitated by the Maryland Bankers Association.

Through the University of Maryland’s Smith Banking Fellows curriculum, selected sophomores and juniors complete advanced coursework focused on banking and financial institutions, including credit and market risk, interest rate risk, regulatory frameworks, and bank financial analysis. Students enter the program having completed foundational finance, accounting, and statistics coursework and are selected through a competitive application process based on academic performance, demonstrated interest in banking, and faculty review.

MBA member banks will host Smith Banking Fellows as summer interns beginning in summer 2026, offering hands-on experience aligned with students’ academic training and career interests. These internships provide students with real-world exposure to commercial banking, risk management, credit analysis, financial services innovation, and community banking leadership, while giving banks early access to emerging talent.

In addition to coursework and internships, the Maryland Bankers Association will provide fellows with access to industry-led professional development, training opportunities, and engagement with banking leaders across the state. Through MBA programming, students will gain insight into the broader banking ecosystem, regulatory and policy considerations, and long-term career pathways within Maryland’s financial services sector.

“The banking industry is navigating challenges that are as complex as they are consequential, from attracting and retaining top talent to keeping pace with rapid technological change,” said Tisha Edwards, President and CEO of the Maryland Bankers Association. “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to preparing the next generation of banking leaders by pairing strong academic foundations with real-world internship experience and industry-driven professional development. Together, we are equipping students with the skills, adaptability, and perspective needed to help banks of all sizes serve their communities and compete in a rapidly evolving environment.”

“We are extremely grateful for the Maryland Bankers Association’s enthusiastic support of our undergraduate students at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business by connecting our Smith Banking Fellows with Maryland banks through summer internships starting this year,” said Smith School Dean Prabhudev Konana. “MBA President and CEO Tisha Edwards has shown a dedication to raising up and investing in future banking leaders in the early stages of their education not only for our students’ future success but also to ensure strong Maryland banks and in turn a strong Maryland economy. We are also grateful for this same commitment shared by Commissioner Tony Salazar and Deputy Commissioner Michael Sprouse of the Office of Financial Regulation, who introduced us to the MBA and sparked the creation of this partnership.”

Internships will be available during the summer of 2026. Banks interested in participating in the Smith Banking Fellows Program should contact Evan Richards, Head of Government and Community Relations at the Maryland Bankers Association, for additional information.