15 STEM Programs for High School Students in Maine
If you're a high school student looking to explore science, technology, engineering, or math before committing to it in college, a structured program can be a good option to explore. These programs often combine coursework, research, or applied projects with mentor guidance, helping you build skills, gain exposure to new material, and develop connections. STEM programs, in particular, let you work directly with real data, equipment, and research questions across fields like biology, engineering, and computer science.
Why should you attend a STEM program in Maine?
Maine offers STEM 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 take part in lab-based research, marine science fieldwork, or an engineering design challenge. Whether you live in Maine or are coming from out of state, you can find a program suited to your interests and experience level.
To help you get started, we’ve put together 15 STEM programs for high school students in Maine.
If you’re looking for internships in Maine, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 programs span genetics and genomics, marine science, oceanography, AI and machine learning, cybersecurity, semiconductor engineering, construction and engineering, environmental science, and neuroscience, so students with a wide range of STEM interests can find a relevant option in Maine or online.
Several programs are free or paid, including JAX Summer Student Program ($7,500 stipend plus room, board, and travel), MERITS (stipend provided), Keller BLOOM (free with housing and meals), Chip Moody Consider Engineering (free with housing and meals), and DPR Build Up Internship (paid with transportation stipend), making strong STEM experiences financially accessible.
Many programs prioritize Maine residents or students in specific grade levels, including MERITS (Maine high school juniors), Keller BLOOM (Maine high school juniors), and Maine-SMART (Maine high school sophomores and juniors), so local students should take note of these targeted opportunities.
Programs vary significantly in length and format, from two-day introductory camps, such as UMA Cybersecurity Summer Camp, to 10-week full-time research placements, such as JAX Summer Student Program, so students can choose based on their schedule and depth of interest.
Application deadlines for the most competitive programs fall early, including JAX Summer Student Program (January 26), MERITS (February 13), Stanford AIMI Bootcamp (February 21), and Keller BLOOM (April 10), so students should begin researching options in the fall.
1. Maine State Science Fair
Location: The Jackson Laboratory and Maine Mathematics & Science Alliance, ME
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open to eligible Maine students
Dates: October 1 - March 28
Application Deadline: January 19 (student registration) | March 1 (abstract)
Eligibility: Maine students in grades 9th -12th (homeschooled accepted) | Must not turn 20 years old before May 1 following the fair
The Maine State Science Fair is a state-wide STEM research and presentation opportunity that gives high school students the opportunity to design, develop, and present an original science or engineering research project. Organized by The Jackson Laboratory and the Maine Mathematics & Science Alliance, the program allows you to pursue an independent area of interest while following formal scientific research and ethics guidelines. As one of the more research-focused STEM opportunities in Maine, it allows you to work with an adult sponsor or research mentor to design experiments, collect data, and prepare a final professional presentation of your findings. Depending on your project topic, you may also need approval from review committees for research involving human participants, vertebrate animals, or biological agents. Throughout the process, you will prepare a research abstract, create a formal project display, and present your findings to judges and STEM professionals during the statewide fair. Students may participate individually or in teams of up to 3 members, but each entry must represent a single year of original research.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program type; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12 - 15 week cohorts throughout the year for spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Rolling applications for each cohort. You can apply here.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students | AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience 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. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
Location: The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME
Cost/Stipend: $7,500 stipend plus room, board, and travel support
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: May 30 - August 7
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who will have completed grade 12 by the start of the program | Aged 18+ years | U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program is a research-focused opportunity that allows high school students to work alongside scientists on genetics and genomics projects in a professional laboratory setting. During the 10-week program, you will join an active research laboratory and contribute to an ongoing scientific project while developing technical and analytical skills related to biological research. The program emphasizes hands-on independent research, scientific communication, and collaboration in a team-based environment. In addition to laboratory work, you will participate in professional development sessions covering topics such as data visualization, genetic testing, peer review, and science communication. Weekly journal clubs and discussions with researchers, grant writers, veterinarians, and other STEM professionals also give you broader exposure to scientific careers. The program concludes with a formal research presentation where you will share your findings with JAX researchers, fellow participants, and family members.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts for spring, summer, fall, and winter throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Current high school students demonstrating a high level of academic achievement (accepted students typically have a GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
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. Maine Research Internships for Teachers and Students (MERITS)
Location: Host research institutions across Maine
Cost/Stipend: Stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: High school juniors | U.S. citizens and Maine residents only
The MERITS Program places you in a six-week summer research internship at a host institution in Maine, offering firsthand experience in STEM research and technology development projects. Supported by the Maine Space Grant Consortium and NASA, the program is designed for students who want exposure to how science, engineering, and technology are applied in professional research environments. During the internship, you may contribute to projects related to fields such as environmental science, engineering, computer science, marine science, or biomedical research while working alongside experienced mentors and research staff. In addition to gaining technical experience, you will develop workplace and communication skills through a full-time research schedule that mirrors a professional STEM environment.
6. University of Maine Semiconductor Camp
Location: University of Maine, Orono, ME
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: July 6 - 10
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students, with a focus on rising juniors and seniors
At the University of Maine’s Semiconductor Camp, you will spend five days exploring how semiconductors power modern electronics, ranging from smartphones to spacecraft. The program introduces you to fundamental concepts such as bits, logic gates, transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits through a combination of hands-on experiments and interactive activities. Rather than focusing only on theory, the camp emphasizes practical learning, giving you the chance to build circuits, test semiconductor devices, and create your own small-scale semiconductor system by the end of the week. You will also participate in game-based learning activities designed to explain how microchips function within real-world technologies and computing systems. One of the program’s featured experiences is a tour of the Texas Instruments facility in South Portland, where you can observe semiconductor manufacturing and industry applications firsthand. Throughout the camp, you will work with university instructors while gaining exposure to electronics, engineering, and semiconductor-related career pathways.
7. DPR Construction Build Up High School Internship
Location: DPR Construction project sites nationwide | Location varies
Stipend: Paid internship | Transportation stipends available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates who are legally authorized to work in the U.S.
The DPR Build Up Internship provides students interested in engineering, architecture, or construction technology with an opportunity to gain practical experience in the construction industry. Over the course of eight weeks, you will spend 35 to 40 hours each week at an active jobsite, assisting with scheduling updates, safety procedures, project tracking, subcontractor coordination, and site inspections. The internship combines mentorship with practical workplace experience, allowing you to observe how construction managers, engineers, and project teams collaborate throughout the building process. You will also complete a capstone project focused on goal setting, communication, and professional development while gaining experience in presenting ideas and working within a team environment. Unlike traditional research-focused STEM programs for high school students in Maine, this opportunity focuses on applied engineering and construction management pathways.
8. Keller BLOOM Program
Location: Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, East Boothbay, ME
Cost/Stipend: Free, housing, meals, and snacks provided | Chaperoned room and board
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 16 students | Highly selective
Dates: May 17 - 22
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Maine public, private, and homeschooled high school juniors interested in ocean or environmental science
The Keller BLOOM Program offers a chance to spend a week working directly with scientists at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences. The experience begins with a research cruise on the Sheepscot River estuary, where you will learn how oceanographic samples are collected using professional field equipment and data collection methods. Back in the laboratory, you will rotate through research activities focused on phytoplankton, zooplankton, marine bacteria, nutrients, pigments, and marine viruses while using scientific instruments and laboratory techniques commonly used in ocean science research. In addition to laboratory work, the program includes discussions on scientific ethics, marine policy, undergraduate STEM pathways, and careers in environmental science. You will also attend a Marine Science Career Night and interact with researchers throughout the week. At the end of the program, all participants present their findings and reflections to scientists, peers, and family members on campus.
9. Chip Moody Consider Engineering Program
Location: University of Maine, Orono, ME
Cost/Stipend: Free; housing and meals provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: About 50% acceptance rate | 132 students/cohort
Dates: July 12 - 15, July 19 - 22, or July 26 - 29
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Current high school juniors demonstrating strong performance in math and science
Hosted at the University of Maine, the Chip Moody Consider Engineering Program introduces you to both engineering and college life through a four-day residential summer experience. You will participate in hands-on engineering experiments, collaborative design challenges, and problem-solving activities while interacting with faculty, current engineering students, and industry professionals. The program also includes opportunities to explore college life by staying in residence halls, connect with other students interested in STEM, and learn more about engineering pathways across different disciplines. Rather than focusing only on lectures, the experience emphasizes teamwork, applied learning, and networking through field activities and interactive sessions.
10. Maine-SMART High School Research Program
Location: University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME
Cost/Stipend: $50 cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 6 - August 7
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors in good academic standing with a teacher evaluation
The Maine-SMART High School Research Program gives you the opportunity to explore applied STEM research through week-long sessions hosted on the University of Southern Maine’s Portland campus. Each session focuses on one of Maine’s targeted technology sectors, helping you better understand research fields that are important to drive the state's economy and innovation landscape. During the program, you will conduct algae growth research while experimenting with different species, environmental conditions, agitation methods, and growth media in a classroom-based research setting. You will work with university faculty and industry professionals while learning how to design experiments, analyze results, and communicate research findings. The program also emphasizes research methodology, collaboration, and confidence-building through mentored projects and academic activities. You will also gain exposure to research environments and STEM career pathways through interactions with professionals working in Maine’s technology sectors.
11. Cybersecurity Summer Camp
Location: Maine Cyber Range, UMA Capital Center, Augusta, ME
Cost/Stipend: $50 total cost | Scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: July 14 - 15
Application Deadline: Rolling registration until filled
Eligibility: Middle and high school students in Maine
The Cybersecurity Summer Camp introduces you to the fundamentals of cybersecurity through a two-day hands-on program hosted at the Maine Cyber Range in Augusta. During the camp, you will explore topics such as system security, network protection, digital investigations, and emerging cybersecurity challenges involving artificial intelligence. On the first day, you will build foundational cybersecurity knowledge through interactive activities and guided lessons focused on securing systems, applications, and people. The second day centers on a simulated cyber range investigation where you will work through scenario-based exercises using real digital evidence while collaborating alongside other students to solve security challenges. The camp is designed for beginners as well as students with prior technical experience, and many activities emphasize teamwork and problem-solving rather than coding alone, making it one of the more accessible STEM programs for high school students in Maine.
12. Advanced Marine Science Camp Program
Location: Seal Harbor, ME
Cost: $3,300 program cost | $3,400 for college credit option
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective | College credit enrollment capped at 22 students
Dates: July 12 - 24 | July 26 - August 7
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th-grade students aged 15 - 18 years | One year of high school science preferred
The Advanced Marine Science Camp Program offers a two-week experience studying marine ecosystems through fieldwork, laboratory activities, and college-level coursework on Mount Desert Island. You will spend significant time outdoors collecting samples, exploring beaches and tidal pools, monitoring water conditions, and learning how marine scientists study ocean environments. You will also complete laboratory write-ups, group projects, and independent assignments covering topics such as oceanography, marine biology, geology, and environmental science. Activities throughout the session include whale watching, fishing trips, shark dissection, sand dollar embryology experiments, and water testing in Somes Sound. Students who choose the college credit option can earn four transferable University of Maine credits by completing additional coursework, laboratory assignments, and examinations. The program also includes opportunities to visit nearby colleges and interact with faculty members whose research focuses on marine and environmental science.
13. Hurricane Island Summer Science Programs
Location: Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership, Hurricane Island, ME
Cost/Stipend: $1,750 - $2,400 | Scholarships available for advanced programs
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 28 - August 14
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9th - 12th | Advanced programs for students entering grades 10th - 12th
Hurricane Island’s Summer Science Programs combine environmental science, leadership development, and field-based learning through residential experiences on an island research campus off the coast of Maine. Depending on the session selected, you might study marine ecosystems, biodiversity, aquaculture, fisheries, sustainability, or science communication while participating in hands-on scientific investigations and outdoor exploration. Programs such as Ocean Lab and Bio Blitz emphasize observational research, ecological fieldwork, and data collection, while other sessions focus more on environmental leadership or communicating science through art. You will spend much of your time working collaboratively with instructors and peers while developing practical skills connected to environmental science and sustainability challenges. The Advanced Ocean Lab and Stand Up for Sustainability sessions are designed for older students seeking a more in-depth academic and leadership experience. All programs include housing, meals, transportation from Rockland, and access to Hurricane Island’s coastal learning environment.
14. Stanford AIMI Summer Health AI Bootcamp
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $45 application fee | $2,000 program fee | Limited need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective | About 100 students
Dates: June 15 – 26 or July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: U.S.-based high school students entering grades 9th - 12th , aged 14+ years
Stanford AIMI’s Summer Health AI Bootcamp offers a two-week virtual introduction to the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence in healthcare. You will learn foundational machine learning concepts while examining how AI tools are developed, tested, and applied in medical and clinical settings. Lectures are led by Stanford researchers, clinicians, and trainees, with topics ranging from medical imaging and model evaluation to generative AI and responsible AI use in medicine. Beyond the lectures, the program includes breakout discussions, guided exercises, collaborative activities, and case studies designed to connect technical ideas to real healthcare challenges. Guest speakers from healthcare systems, industry, nonprofits, and government organizations also discuss career pathways and emerging trends within health AI to give you valuable insights.
15. Stanford Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $1,725 as a program fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 8 - 19 or June 22 - July 3
Application Deadline: Typically early spring
Eligibility: High school students following their sophomore, junior, or senior year
Stanford’s Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience introduces you to neuroscience, psychiatry, and psychology through an intensive two-week virtual program. Through daily seminars and discussions led by Stanford faculty and researchers, you will explore topics such as clinical neuropsychiatry, behavioral science, neuroscience research, psychiatric epidemiology, and mental health. The program also examines broader themes related to medicine and young adulthood, including career pathways in healthcare and science, as well as self-care and wellness strategies. You will collaborate with peers in small teams to design innovative solutions to real-world social challenges related to neuroscience or psychology. These projects are presented during a final capstone session attended by classmates, families, and program staff. The program encourages interdisciplinary thinking while exposing you to multiple perspectives within neuroscience and behavioral health.
Frequently asked questions
1. What STEM programs are available for high school students in Maine?
Options include genetics and genomics research programs, such as JAX Summer Student Program, marine and ocean science programs, such as Keller BLOOM, Advanced Marine Science Camp, and Hurricane Island Summer Science, engineering programs, such as Chip Moody Consider Engineering and UMaine Semiconductor Camp, AI and machine learning programs, such as Veritas AI and Stanford AIMI Bootcamp, cybersecurity programs, such as UMA Cybersecurity Summer Camp, and research and competition programs, such as Maine State Science Fair, MERITS, and Lumiere.
2. Are there free or paid STEM programs for high school students in Maine?
Yes, JAX Summer Student Program provides a $7,500 stipend plus room, board, and travel; MERITS provides a stipend for six weeks of research; Keller BLOOM is free with housing and meals included; Chip Moody Consider Engineering is free with housing and meals; DPR Build Up Internship is paid with transportation support, and UMA Cybersecurity Summer Camp costs only $50 with scholarships available.
3. Which Maine STEM programs are best for students interested in marine and environmental science?
Keller BLOOM at Bigelow Laboratory, Advanced Marine Science Camp on Mount Desert Island, Hurricane Island Summer Science Programs, and Maine-SMART High School Research Program all provide structured fieldwork and laboratory experiences in marine or environmental science, with Keller BLOOM being the most selective and research-intensive.
4. Which programs are open to students outside Maine?
Lumiere Research Scholar Program, Veritas AI, Stanford AIMI Bootcamp, and Stanford Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience are all fully virtual and open to students anywhere in the U.S., while JAX Summer Student Program, DPR Build Up Internship, Hurricane Island, and Advanced Marine Science Camp also accept out-of-state applicants.
5. Do any Maine STEM programs offer college credit?
Yes, Advanced Marine Science Camp offers four transferable University of Maine credits for students who choose the college credit option, and Maine-SMART introduces students to university-level research methodologies that prepare them for future college coursework.
6. When should I apply to STEM programs for high school students in Maine?
JAX Summer Student Program closes January 26, MERITS closes February 13, Stanford AIMI Bootcamp closes February 21, Chip Moody Consider Engineering and DPR Build Up Internship close April 15, and Keller BLOOM closes April 10, so students should begin researching options in the fall and preparing applications over winter break.