14 Math Programs for High School Students in Maine
Math programs can help you strengthen problem-solving and analytical skills while exploring areas of the subject that go beyond your regular coursework. You can find opportunities ranging from advanced coursework and research projects to specialized camps focused on topics such as algebra, statistics, or applied mathematics. Many are hosted by universities and research institutions, giving you the chance to learn from faculty, graduate students, and mentors in the field.
Why should you attend a math program in Maine?
Maine offers math programs at institutions such as the University of Maine, the University of Southern Maine, and the Maine School of Science and Mathematics. Depending on the program you choose, you may take part in coursework, mentored research, or STEM camps that incorporate mathematical concepts. Some programs are geared toward Maine residents, while others accept students from out of state, making these opportunities accessible whether you live locally or are traveling in.
With that, here are 14 math programs for high school students in Maine to consider!
If you’re looking for summer programs in Maine, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 14 programs span advanced mathematics, applied research, genetics, bioinformatics, early college credit, and AI, so students with a range of interests connected to math can find a relevant option in Maine or online.
Several programs are free or paid, including JAX Summer Student Program ($7,500 stipend), Maine Space Grant Consortium MERITS (paid), University of Maine Upward Bound (free), Husson University ECAP (free), MIT PRIMES-USA (free), and Math Planet (free).
Many programs offer college credit or research outputs, including Husson University ECAP (up to 25 transferable credits), University of Maine Early College Summer Courses (transferable UMaine credits), and MIT PRIMES-USA (final paper eligible for national competitions and research journals).
Programs vary significantly in length and format, from self-paced online courses, such as Math Planet, to year-long research commitments, such as MIT PRIMES-USA, so students can choose based on their availability and mathematical background.
Application deadlines vary widely, with some programs, such as MIT PRIMES-USA (December 1) and JAX Summer Student Program (January 26), closing well before the summer, while others, such as Husson ECAP and University of Maine Upward Bound, accept rolling applications.
1. Maine Space Grant Consortium (MSGC): MERITS
Location: Maine Space Grant Consortium, Augusta, ME
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 6 weeks
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: Maine high school juniors
The Maine Space Grant Consortium’s MERITS program offers high school students the opportunity to participate in hands-on STEM experiences at host institutions across the state. As a participant, you will explore research-focused work and technology development while earning a stipend. You will also gain real-world experience in fields such as engineering, aeronautics, physics, mathematics, and more. The program is supported by NASA, so you’ll have the added benefit of taking part in a NASA program.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial aid offered
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students
Veritas AI, started and run by Harvard grad students, offers programs for high schoolers interested in artificial intelligence. If you're just getting started with AI, ML, and data science, the AI Scholars program is a good fit. It's a 10-session boot camp where you'll learn the basics of AI & data science and even get to work on real-world projects. If you’re a more advanced student, there's the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase program, which gives you the chance to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities on a unique, personal project. You'll also have access to the in-house publication team to help you get your work published in high school research journals. Check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. JAX Summer Student Program (SSP)
Location: The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME OR The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT
Stipend: $7,500
Dates: May 30 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors (18+); Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The JAX Summer Student Program is a competitive program that allows you to explore the field of genetics and genomics, which shapes biological systems. As a participant, you will get to work under scientific mentors and learn what it takes to be a researcher. You will attend sessions covering topics like genetic testing, data visualization, science communication, and peer review. Along the way, you will learn how math intersects with science and explore areas like bioinformatics, biostatistics, and maybe even computational biology. You’ll also participate in Weekly Journal Club meetings and sessions where you meet and interact with JAX scientists and professionals.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Financial aid offered
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students in good academic standing
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Husson University: Early College Access Program (ECAP)
Location: Husson University, Bangor, ME
Cost: Free
Dates: Up to 24 months
Application Deadline: Not specified; Rolling until full
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors with a cumulative GPA of 80+ or equivalent, or 2.7+
The Early College Access Program (ECAP) is offered in several states, including Maine, and allows high school students to take college courses early and earn college credits along the way. As a participant, you will be able to enroll in up to two courses per semester and earn a total of 25 credits over 24 months. You can choose from a variety of subject areas, including math, business, nursing, fine arts, and more. The math courses available to you include Arithmetic and Algebra, Probability and Statistics, Contemporary College Algebra, and more.
6. University of Maine’s Upward Bound: Summer Residential Program – Math-Science Upward Bound
Location: University of Maine, Orono, ME
Cost: Free
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: 9th-11th graders (12th graders applying early in the fall may be accepted) attending a partner high school
The University of Maine’s Upward Bound program offers a summer residential program that allows high school students to live and learn on a college campus. As a participant, you will attend classes, explore various aspects of STEM, participate in community service, and experience life in a college dorm. You’ll also get the chance to interact with faculty and current college students at the University of Maine. The summer experience is split into two categories: the classic Upward Bound experience, where you take part in community service and an introductory science course, and the Math-Science Upward Bound experience, where you take part in a science-intensive course. As a participant in the Math-Science Upward Bound program, you will also attend a Scientific Writing course instead of a Language Arts course.
7. University of Maine’s Early College Summer Courses
Location: University of Maine, Orono, ME + Virtual
Cost: Varies
Dates: Multiple sessions in the summer; various cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students
The University of Maine’s Early College Summer Courses allow you to participate in advanced college-level courses and earn UMaine college credit while still in high school. You’ll get to choose courses from a wide range of subject areas, including various branches of mathematics. Participating in this program gives you the chance to build a college transcript while still in high school, as the credits you earn are transferable. You’ll also get to go beyond your high school curriculum and tackle more challenging mathematical concepts. This program will also ease your transition from high school to college, meaning you’ll be less likely to need developmental or remedial courses.
8. University of Southern Maine: STEM Camps
Location: USM – Portland, Portland, ME
Cost: $495
Dates: Multiple sessions
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: High school students (specific requirements vary by camp)
The University of Southern Maine offers several STEM camps for high schoolers, including ones that offer a deeper understanding of mathematics. Aside from developing your STEM knowledge and skills, these camps will help you foster creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving skills. Based on your interests, you can choose from the following camps: LEGO Robotics, Minecraft Camps – Programming and Astrophysics, 3D Printing & Design, Build Your Own Computer, and CubeSat. For those more interested in math, the Minecraft Camps in Programming and Astrophysics teach concepts in math, history, language arts, and more. As a participant in the Programming in Minecraft camp, you will be introduced to coding concepts via in-game block-based coding. During the Astrophysics in Minecraft camp, you will explore Minecraft worlds that simulate astrophysical phenomena.
9. Summer at Mathnasium
Location: Mathnasium of Portland, South Portland, ME
Cost: Flat enrollment fee (amount not specified)
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students
The Mathnasium Math Learning Center offers a summer program to help you effectively prepare for the SAT or ACT. As a participant, you will explore topics like algebra I & II, geometry, trigonometry, and pre-calculus. Your experience begins with a comprehensive diagnostic assessment that maps out your precise mathematical strengths and skill gaps. From there, instructors build a completely customized learning plan tailored to your upcoming goal. Along the way, you’ll reinforce your problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
10. The Maine School of Science and Mathematics Summer Program
Location: Maine School of Science and Mathematics, Limestone, ME
Cost: Varies by format
Dates: July 5 – August 1 (tentative)
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: 9th graders
The Maine School of Science and Mathematics Summer Program (MSSM) offers a fun and interactive way to engage with various STEM subjects. You’ll get to participate in a Programming class, where you will learn computer programming via a language called Processing. Another class you can take part in is the Modeling Career: 3D Printing class, where you will explore the world of additive manufacturing and 3D printing. The 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea class gives you the chance to explore the mysteries of the ocean, from understanding the physics of the ocean to the engineering concepts behind submarines and ROVs. Finally, for those interested in math, you can take part in the You Can Do the Cube class, where you will understand the mathematics and algorithms that go into solving a Rubik's Cube.
11. University of Southern Maine: Maine-SMART High School Research Sessions
Location: USM – Portland, Portland, ME
Cost: $50
Dates: 1-week sessions from July 6 – August 7
Application Deadline: June 18
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors in southern Maine high schools
The Maine-SMART High School Research Sessions give you the chance to participate in a week of learning and research. You will also get to conduct research within one of Maine’s seven Targeted Technology Sectors. As a participant, you will engage with these fields and have opportunities to interact with and learn from industry professionals. Throughout the program, you’ll develop the experience and confidence necessary to succeed in a STEM field, including math. Additionally, you'll participate in mentored research projects. While this is a more research- and science-focused program, you will still use basic statistical methods to analyze your data.
12. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Online
Cost: $3,750; Financial aid offered
Dates: Varies by session and program
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Rising 11th-12th graders experienced with writing and reading mathematical proofs; Must have a mastery of high school geometry and algebra; Familiarity with number theory and modular arithmetic is recommended
The Stanford University Mathematics Camp (or SUMac) gives you the chance to participate in intensive study in advanced mathematics through lectures, guided research, and group problem solving. In the online version, you will have a faster-paced, three-week curriculum to work through and will attend live problem-solving sessions. You’ll also attend guest lectures led by experts in the field and Stanford faculty. As a participant, you can choose from two tracks: Abstract Algebra & Number Theory and Algebraic Topology. The program will conclude with an opportunity to present your research project.
13. MIT’s PRIMES-USA
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Dates: Year-long
Application Deadline: September – December 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and sophomores residing in the United States outside the Greater Boston area; More info here
MIT PRIMES-USA is a year-long, virtual research program for high school students with an interest in mathematics. As a participant, you will get to spend time on unsolved problems in mathematics and applied mathematics projects (either individual or group projects) and receive mentorship from graduates and faculty from MIT and other universities. The program is divided into four phases: participating in advanced readings, conducting research under the guidance of a mentor, conducting independent research, and a write-up period in which you finalize your project. By the end of the program, you will have to present your project at the Fall-Term PRIMES conference and create a final paper summarizing your work, which will be posted on the PRIMES website. You will also have the option of submitting this paper to national science competitions or professional research journals.
14. Math Planet
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Not applicable
Eligibility: High school students
Math Planet is an accessible platform offering free high school math courses in subjects such as geometry, pre-algebra, algebra 1, and algebra 2. These courses are self-paced, meaning you’ll be able to participate in your own time. During this time, you’ll cover algebra concepts like natural number arithmetic, functions, polynomials, quadratic equations, exponential and logarithmic expressions, as well as geometry concepts like trigonometry, transformations, quadrilaterals, and more. Aside from this, you’ll also get to work on practice tests for the SAT and ACT.
Frequently asked questions
1. What math programs are available for high school students in Maine?
Options include research and STEM programs, such as Maine Space Grant Consortium, MERITS, and JAX Summer Student Program; early college credit programs, such as Husson ECAP and University of Maine Early College; residential summer experiences, such as University of Maine Upward Bound; advanced mathematics programs, such as SUMaC and MIT PRIMES-USA; and self-paced online resources, such as Math Planet and Veritas AI.
2. Are there free math programs for high school students in Maine?
Yes, several programs are free, including University of Maine Upward Bound, Husson University ECAP, MIT PRIMES-USA, and Math Planet. The Maine Space Grant Consortium MERITS and JAX Summer Student Program are also free to attend and provide stipends in addition.
3. Which Maine math programs are best for students interested in research?
Students interested in research might consider MIT PRIMES-USA for year-long mentored mathematics research, JAX Summer Student Program for genetics and bioinformatics, Maine Space Grant Consortium MERITS for NASA-supported STEM research, and USM Maine-SMART for week-long research sessions in Maine's targeted technology sectors.
4. Are there math programs in Maine that offer college credit?
Yes, Husson University's ECAP allows students to earn up to 25 transferable college credits across 24 months, and University of Maine Early College Summer Courses offer transferable UMaine credits in a range of mathematical subjects, including algebra, statistics, and calculus.
5. Which programs are open to students outside of Maine?
Several programs are fully virtual and open to students regardless of location, including Veritas AI, Lumiere Research Scholar Program, MIT PRIMES-USA, SUMaC, and Math Planet. JAX Summer Student Program also accepts applications from students outside Maine, as it is open to graduating seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
6. When should I apply to math programs for high school students in Maine?
MIT PRIMES-USA has the earliest deadline, closing on December 1 for the following year. JAX Summer Student Program closes January 26, and SUMaC closes February 2. Programs, such as USM Maine-SMART (June 18) and University of Southern Maine STEM Camps, fall later in the spring. Students should begin researching options in the fall, as some programs, such as Husson ECAP and University of Maine Upward Bound, accept rolling applications without fixed deadlines.