15 Programs for High School Students in Maine
If you're a high school student looking to explore academic interests beyond what's available during the school year, a structured program can be a good option to explore. These programs often combine coursework, research, or project-based work with mentor guidance, helping you build skills, gain exposure to new material, and develop connections. Whether your interests lie in the sciences, humanities, business, or the arts, these programs can help you test out a field before deciding to pursue it further.
Why should you attend a program in Maine?
Maine offers programs through institutions like the University of Maine, The Jackson Laboratory, and Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences. Depending on the program you choose, you could conduct biomedical research, take part in marine science fieldwork, or explore leadership and health career pathways. Whether you live in Maine or are coming from out of state, you can find a program suited to your interests and experience level.
In this blog, we’ve listed 15 programs for high school students in Maine.
If you’re looking for online summer programs, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 programs span genetics and genomics, marine science, biomedical research, fisheries biology, engineering, AI, ocean science, leadership, and healthcare careers, so students with a wide range of interests can find a relevant option in Maine or online.
Several programs are free and paid, including Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program ($7,000 stipend), MERITS (paid), Hutton Junior Fisheries ($3,000 stipend), MHIR Summer Research Program ($18 per hour), and Wabanaki Youth in Science (hourly wage), making professional research experiences accessible without financial barriers.
Many programs specifically prioritize Maine residents, including MERITS (Maine students only), Cohen Institute Leadership Program (nomination-based for Maine rising seniors), Maine AHEC Rural Youth Program (rural Maine students), and Wabanaki Youth in Science (Wabanaki and Native American Maine residents).
Programs vary significantly in length and format, from five-day laboratory intensives, such as Bigelow BLOOM and MDI Biomedical Bootcamp, to year-long mentored programs, such as Wabanaki Youth in Science and Maine AHEC Rural Youth Program, so students can choose based on their availability and depth of interest.
Application deadlines for the most competitive programs fall early, including Hutton Junior Fisheries (January 25), MHIR (January 30), and Jackson Laboratory (January 26), so students should begin preparing materials in the fall.
1. Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
Location: The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME
Cost/Stipend: Free; $7,000 stipend
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: May 30 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors (18+) who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents
The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program gives you a full-time research experience in genetics and genomics within a professional biomedical research environment. As a participant, you will be matched with a JAX scientist whose lab aligns with your interests, allowing you to contribute to ongoing work in areas such as epigenetics, structural genome variation, neurodegenerative disease, or related fields. Early in the program, you’ll begin developing the technical and analytical skills needed to frame a research question, understand experimental methods, and interpret biological data. Weekly professional development sessions, journal clubs, and research discussions will help you see how scientific work is reviewed, communicated, and connected to broader biomedical questions. You’ll also gain exposure to career paths beyond the lab through conversations with professionals in areas such as scientific services, veterinary medicine, law, publishing, and grant writing. By the end of the program, you’ll prepare and present your research to peers, scientists, and guests.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on program (financial aid offered); Unpaid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple 10-15-week cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Rolling; Varies by cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants must have been AI Scholars participants or have some familiarity with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students looking to get started in AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and have the opportunity to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students have the opportunity to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: All 50 U.S. states (placements are usually within 45 minutes of your location)
Cost/Stipend: Free; $3,000 stipend
Acceptance rate: About 3%
Dates: 8 weeks from June to August (exact dates vary by placement)
Application Deadline: November 21 – January 25
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (16+)
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program places you in a mentored research experience focused on aquatic science, fisheries, and conservation. After being matched with a fisheries professional, you’ll work on a project that may involve ecology, aquatic biodiversity, sustainability, toxicology, or fish population studies. The work varies by placement, but you may gain experience with field sampling, water quality testing, data processing, aquatic habitat assessment, and specimen observation. Some internships may take place in laboratories or offices, while others involve outdoor fieldwork in rivers, lakes, coastal environments, or on boats.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies (financial aid is available); Unpaid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year; Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: Current high school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a good fit if you want to complete an independent research project with close academic mentorship. You’ll begin by selecting a field of interest, then work with a PhD mentor to narrow your topic into a focused research question. Weekly sessions guide you through literature review, argument development, research design, and evidence-based analysis. The structure is especially valuable if you want to explore a subject in depth before college, whether your interests fall within STEM, the social sciences, business, policy, psychology, or the humanities. Over time, you’ll learn how to synthesize complex information, evaluate sources, and develop a project with a clear academic direction. The program concludes with a polished research paper, which you may use for further publication. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Maine Research Internships for Teachers and Students (MERITS)
Location: Various host institutions across Maine
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer; Varies by host institution
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: Current 11th graders with a GPA equivalent of an A; Must be a U.S. citizen attending a Maine school or be homeschooled and a resident of Maine
MERITS offers Maine high school students paid summer research placements with universities, research centers, government agencies, or industry organizations across the state. You will be matched with a host institution where your work may involve STEM research, technology development, biomedical science, marine science, environmental studies, or engineering. You’ll be placed in an active research setting where you’ll contribute to projects shaped by your mentor’s field. Depending on the placement, you may work with laboratory methods, data analysis, field research, applied technology, or technical reporting. At the end of the program, you’ll prepare a formal research report, helping you strengthen both your technical writing and scientific communication skills.
6. Colby College: Summer Science Program
Location: Multiple college campuses, including Colby College, Waterville, ME
Cost/Stipend: Varies (financial aid offered); “Lost wages” stipend may be offered; More info here
Acceptance rate: 7-10%
Dates: Varies by campus; June 22 – July 25 (Colby College)
Application Deadline: February 19 (domestic); January 29 (international)
Eligibility: Current 11th graders (ages 15-18); Specific subject prerequisites apply
The Summer Science Program offers an intensive research experience across advanced STEM fields, with subject tracks in astrophysics, biochemistry, bacterial genomics, and cell biology. Depending on your placement, you may study near-Earth asteroids using astronomy, calculus, and scientific programming; investigate enzyme structure and inhibition in biochemistry; analyze bacterial evolution through genomics and bioinformatics; or use CRISPR-based methods to examine cell cycle genes in a model organism. Across all tracks, the program emphasizes collaborative research, giving you a chance to work closely with peers while approaching a complex scientific question through data, experimentation, and analysis. You’ll also engage with faculty, teaching assistants, and guest scientists who help connect your project to larger questions in science and research careers. The workload is rigorous, with research, lectures, problem-solving sessions, and scientific communication forming the core of the experience.
7. MHIR Summer Undergraduate Research Program
Location: MaineHealth research centers in Portland, ME
Cost/Stipend: Free; $18/hour
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 30
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors (18+) with a 3.0+ GPA; Must be eligible to be employed in the U.S.
The MHIR Summer Undergraduate Research Program introduces you to biomedical research through full-time work at MaineHealth research centers. As a participant, you will be placed in a research environment where projects may connect to molecular medicine, clinical and translational science, population health, applied technology, or healthcare delivery. This program helps you understand how biomedical research moves from scientific questions to real healthcare challenges, including topics such as precision medicine, patient engagement, and health systems. Weekly lectures from MaineHealth faculty and clinicians broaden your understanding of current research trends and medical science careers. Professional development sessions add training in workplace skills, research communication, and career planning.
8. Wabanaki Youth in Science (WaYS) Internship Program
Location: Multiple locations in Maine
Cost/Stipend: Free; Hourly wage at or above minimum wage
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective; 5 students
Dates: Year-long program
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Wabanaki or Native American high school students eligible for the Native American Waiver and Education Program; Must be a Maine resident
The Wabanaki Youth in Science Internship Program supports Wabanaki and Native American students in developing projects connected to science, community priorities, and cultural knowledge. Each student works with advisors to shape an internship around an issue that matters to them and their tribal community. The mentorship model brings together a Cultural Knowledge Keeper and a Western researcher or professional, allowing you to engage with both Indigenous ways of knowing and formal academic or technical approaches. Activities may connect to fields such as forestry, marine science, education, anthropology, public health, or creative arts.
9. Chip Moody Consider Engineering Program
Location: University of Maine, Orono, ME
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 44 students per cohort
Dates: July 12 – 15; July 19 – 22; July 26 – 29
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders
The Chip Moody Consider Engineering Program will introduce you to engineering through hands-on activities, campus exposure, and professional networking at the University of Maine. You’ll participate in experiments, problem-solving challenges, and field-based activities that help you understand how engineers approach real technical problems. Faculty members, practicing engineers, and peers help you explore different engineering pathways and the skills needed to succeed in the field. The residential structure also gives you a brief experience of college life.
10. Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences Keller BLOOM Program
Location: Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, East Boothbay, ME
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective; 16 students
Dates: May 17 – 22
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Maine home-schooled, public, and private high school juniors who are curious about ocean or environmental science
The Keller BLOOM Program gives you a hands-on introduction to ocean science through fieldwork, laboratory research, and direct engagement with scientists. You’ll begin by learning sampling and data collection methods before applying them during field research in the Sheepscot River estuary. In the lab, you’ll use professional instruments and techniques to study marine topics such as phytoplankton, zooplankton, pigments, nutrients, bacteria, and marine viruses. The program also helps you understand how ocean scientists move from collecting samples to analyzing data and forming conclusions. Discussions on research ethics, public policy, and marine science careers add context to the technical work. At the end, you’ll present your research experience to an audience, building confidence in scientific communication.
11. Cohen Institute Summer Leadership Program
Location: University of Maine, Orono, ME
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective; 50 students
Dates: July 12 – 18
Application Deadline: Not applicable; Nomination-based participation
Eligibility: Rising 12th-grade students in Maine; Must be nominated by their high school
The Cohen Institute Summer Leadership Program focuses on leadership, public service, civic engagement, and college-level academic development. During the program, you’ll participate in team-building activities, outdoor leadership experiences, and discussions designed to strengthen collaboration, communication, and decision-making. A major part of this program is the college-level leadership studies course, where you’ll explore ethics, public service, social issues, and the responsibilities of leadership. Guest speakers and public figures provide insight into how leadership functions in government, education, athletics, and community life. You’ll also visit University of Maine research centers and academic institutes, which help connect leadership questions to real work happening in fields such as climate, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
12. Maine AHEC Network: Rural Youth Health Career Pathway Program
Location: Regional AHEC Centers, ME
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Year-long program
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rural Maine high school students
The Rural Youth Health Career Pathway Program helps rural Maine high school students explore healthcare careers while building practical readiness for college or career training. You’ll participate in a cohort-based model that combines peer connection, mentoring, and varied learning sessions across regional AHEC centers. The program covers education pathways, rural health professions, financial aid, scholarship planning, resume writing, interviewing, and professional communication. Career exploration activities may include workshops, clinical simulations, and exposure to different roles within healthcare. One-on-one mentoring helps you make more informed decisions about coursework, postsecondary options, and long-term goals. A service-learning component also allows you to build leadership and problem-solving skills in a community health context.
13. Hurricane Island Center for Science & Leadership Advanced Ocean Lab
Location: Hurricane Island Center for Science & Leadership, Rockland, ME
Cost: $2,400 (early bird discount may be available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 26 – August 4
Application Deadline: Typically, rolling
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders interested in marine science
This leadership-focused program combines marine science research with sustainability and leadership development. You’ll design a field research project based on your interests, with possible topics including coastal water quality, environmental DNA, marine ecology, archaeology, or intertidal ecosystems. Working with scientists, you’ll learn how to develop a research question, collect data, process findings, and communicate results clearly. Fieldwork may take place in intertidal zones, along the waterfront, and aboard research vessels, giving you practical exposure to marine science methods. The off-grid island setting also introduces you to sustainable living practices such as conserving water, reducing waste, and participating in shared community responsibilities. The program concludes with student presentations.
14. MDI Biological Laboratory: Biomedical Bootcamp
Location: MDIBL, Bar Harbor, ME
Cost: $2,000 (partial financial aid available)
Cohort size: Limited class size
Dates: June 23 – 27
Application Deadline: May 28
Eligibility: High school students entering their junior or senior year
MDI Biological Laboratory’s Biomedical Bootcamp will introduce you to current biomedical research through a week of focused laboratory work and scientific training. You’ll begin with the basics of experimental design, hypothesis testing, scientific ethics, and responsible research conduct. Laboratory sessions then move into core molecular biology techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis. You’ll work with model organisms such as C. elegans and connect these techniques to actual research questions in biology and medicine. Facility tours and discussions with scientists expose you to animal model systems, biomedical research careers, and entrepreneurship in Maine’s life sciences ecosystem.
15. Maine-SMART High School Research Program
Location: University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME
Cost: $50
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple 1-week sessions from July 6 to August 7
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising juniors & seniors in southern Maine high schools
The Maine-SMART High School Research Program gives you a week-long introduction to research in technology sectors that are important to Maine’s economy and scientific development. You’ll work on a mentored project connected to one of the state’s targeted technology areas, such as biotechnology, environmental technologies, marine technology, aquaculture, composites, or advanced materials. The program focuses on the full research process, from understanding a scientific question to testing variables, analyzing results, and discussing outcomes. In sessions focused on algae growth research, for example, you may study different algae species under varied growth media, agitation, and environmental conditions. Faculty members and industry professionals help you see how classroom science connects to real research and development needs.
Frequently asked questions
1. What programs are available for high school students in Maine?
Options include genetics and biomedical research programs, such as Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program and MHIR Summer Research Program, marine and ocean science programs, such as Bigelow BLOOM, Hurricane Island Advanced Ocean Lab, and Maine-SMART, fisheries and environmental programs, such as Hutton Junior Fisheries, engineering programs, such as Chip Moody Consider Engineering, leadership programs, such as Cohen Institute Summer Leadership, AI and research programs, such as Veritas AI and Lumiere, and healthcare pathway programs, such as Maine AHEC Rural Youth Program.
2. Are there free or paid programs for high school students in Maine?
Yes, Jackson Laboratory provides a $7,000 stipend, MHIR pays $18 per hour, Hutton Junior Fisheries provides a $3,000 stipend, MERITS is paid, and Wabanaki Youth in Science pays an hourly wage at or above minimum wage. Bigelow BLOOM, Cohen Institute Leadership Program, and Chip Moody Consider Engineering are all free to attend without a stipend.
3. Which Maine programs are best for students interested in biomedical or genetics research?
Students interested in biomedical or genetics research might consider the Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program for full-time mentored research in genetics and genomics, MHIR Summer Research Program for biomedical and translational science at MaineHealth, and MDI Biological Laboratory Biomedical Bootcamp for hands-on molecular biology techniques including PCR, sequencing, and bioinformatics.
4. Which programs are open to students outside Maine?
Veritas AI and Lumiere Research Scholar Program are fully virtual and open to students anywhere in the world. Hutton Junior Fisheries places students across all 50 states, and Summer Science Program at Colby College accepts domestic and international applicants regardless of state.
5. When should I apply to programs for high school students in Maine?
The earliest deadlines include Hutton Junior Fisheries (January 25), Jackson Laboratory (January 26), MHIR (January 30), and MERITS (February 13). Programs, such as Bigelow BLOOM (April 10) and Chip Moody Consider Engineering (April 15), fall later in the spring. Programs, such as Lumiere, Veritas AI, and Maine-SMART, accept rolling applications, so students should apply as soon as they are ready.