15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Maine
Participating in high school summer programs can help you build practical skills, explore your field of interest, and gain industry experience before college. They also give you the opportunity to meet peers, work with mentors, and discover career paths in a supportive environment.
If you’re a high school student in Maine, you’ll find a variety of summer programs, from STEM and the arts to leadership, outdoor exploration, and more. Many summer programs are offered by colleges and other institutions and are often designed to fit different interests and goals.
To simplify your search, we’ve created a list of 15 summer programs in Maine for high school students, offering diverse ways to grow academically and personally.
15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Maine
1. Health Careers Explorations Camp
Location: University of New England, Biddeford, ME
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
Dates: June 28 – 30
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10-12 in the fall
The Health Careers Explorations Camp at the University of New England introduces you to a wide range of health professions through hands-on learning. You’ll explore careers like dental hygiene, dental medicine, osteopathic medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, and physical therapy. Sessions also cover neuroscience, neurodevelopmental disabilities treatment, public health, and physician assistant roles. The camp includes guidance on the college admissions process. It also offers supervised day-only attendance for locals and transportation between UNE’s Portland and Biddeford campuses.
2. Cohen Institute’s High School Summer Leadership Program
Location: University of Maine, Orono, ME
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 50
Dates: June 22 – 28
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from Maine counties
The Cohen Institute’s High School Summer Leadership Program introduces you to leadership through classroom learning, hands-on activities, and discussions with notable leaders. Guest speakers have included Secretary Cohen, Governor Janet Mills, and University of Maine faculty, presenting different perspectives on leadership and service. You’ll engage in outdoor leadership exercises and collaborative team challenges to develop practical skills. The program also features a college-level leadership studies course that provides early college credit. You’ll explore how the University of Maine faculty and research institutes work on addressing major societal and environmental issues through applied research.
3. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis; Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students
The Veritas AI program was founded by Harvard graduates with the intention of offering quality programs for high school students interested in exploring the field of AI and data science. If you’re new to AI, you can try the AI Scholars program, which will introduce you to fundamental AI concepts in ten sessions. It will also give you the chance to gain hands-on experience by working on real-world projects. However, if you’ve already completed the AI Scholars program or you have experience with AI concepts or Python, then you can try the AI Fellowship program. You will get to work on a mentored research project and might even get the chance to publish your work in high school journals.
4. University of Maine: Consider Engineering
Location: University of Maine, Orono, ME
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 132
Dates: July 13 – 16; July 20 – 23; July 27– 30
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Current high school juniors
The Chip Moody Consider Engineering Program is a four-day overnight summer program designed for high school juniors interested in engineering. You’ll stay on a college campus and get a sense of what college life and engineering studies are like. The program accepts students through a highly competitive application process. Each day includes academic sessions, team-based projects, and exposure to real-world engineering concepts. It’s structured in a way to help you understand the expectations and challenges of pursuing an engineering degree.
5. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4 (at least); No prior experience needed
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program provides high school students with a range of research opportunities. As a participant, you’ll work closely with an experienced Ph.D. mentor to design and carry out a personalized, independent research project. Over 12 weeks, you’ll develop your project and produce a complete research paper. The program offers flexibility to explore diverse fields, including psychology, computer science, international relations, data science, and others. This one-on-one mentorship allows you to dive deeply into a topic of your choice while building valuable research experience. You can apply here.
6. Maine Summer Youth Music (MSYM) Camp
Location: University of Maine School of Performing Arts, ME
Cost: $225 – $720
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July 13 – 18
Application Deadline: July 13 (For walk-in registrations only)
Eligibility: Students in grades 8-12 (Senior Camp)
MSYM is a summer music program designed for young musicians interested in ensemble performance. You study with professional musicians from the University of Maine and visiting artists with diverse musical backgrounds. The program schedule includes ensemble rehearsals, public performances, and planned recreational activities. You will choose from ensembles in jazz, strings, concert band, symphonic band, chorus, and musical theatre. The program provides an environment where you can gain ensemble experience while working under the direction of professional faculty and performers.
7. Maine College of Art & Design Pre-College
Location: Maine College of Art & Design, Portland, ME
Cost: $4,600 – $5,100; Limited financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July 12 – August 2
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Students currently in sophomore, junior, or senior year, aged 15-18 as of June
In the Maine College of Art & Design Pre-College program, you’ll engage in college-level artistic study through hands-on courses and critical discussions. You’ll work with professional artists to strengthen your admissions portfolio and refine both your technique and artistic expression. The program emphasizes developing a language for critique to help you analyze and communicate about art effectively. You can choose to major in animation, painting, ceramics, printmaking, comics, fashion design, photography, or jewelry design. You’ll also complete a figure drawing class to complement your studies while building connections with other aspiring artists.
8. Young Dancers Intensive
Location: Bates College, Lewiston, ME
Cost: $2,750 – $2,900 + $85 application fee; Limited scholarships available; More details here
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 28 – July 12
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students aged 14-18
The Young Dancers Intensive is an immersive program designed for dedicated dance students pursuing rigorous training. As a participant, you will engage in five daily classes, including Modern, Ballet, Street Styles, Composition, Improvisation, and somatic practices, with opportunities to rehearse repertory works with professional choreographers. To ensure personalized attention and focused instruction, class sizes are intentionally kept small. You’ll be paired with a professional dancer who serves as a mentor, living alongside you and providing guidance throughout the program. The intensive concludes with a presentation of class work, followed by a performance by an internationally acclaimed company.
9. Islands Through Time
Location: College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME
Cost: $4,400; Limited financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July 27 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Islands Through Time program offers a field-based study of Downeast Maine’s ecosystems, culture, and history for college credit. As a participant, you’ll choose from courses in marine biology, field ecology, literature, creative writing, painting, and public policy. Field trips include overnight stays on island research stations and visits to wildlife habitats and coastal communities. You’ll also work with naturalists on data collection and explore innovative methods for documenting your experiences. Themes of conservation, environmental history, and creative engagement with nature are integrated throughout the program. Once you complete the program, you will be eligible for a scholarship of $10,000/year if you apply and get accepted to the College of the Atlantic as a degree student.
10. Internships at the American Psychological Association
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Paid and academic credit internships are offered
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Internships are offered year-round
Application Deadline: Varies based on the internship
Eligibility: High school students enrolled at least part-time in an academic institution with an official District of Columbia Work Permit
The APA Internal Internship Program (IIP) places you in departments including policy, research, publishing, communications, education, and operations. Under the guidance of a supervisor, you’ll perform daily tasks, contribute to projects, and work toward defined learning goals. Your experience may include participating in team discussions, workshops, and collaborative assignments, depending on the department. Additional programming helps you explore professional psychology in more depth. Supervisors assist you in arranging meetings with APA staff or attending networking events to broaden your understanding of the field.
11. NASA OSTEM Internships
Location: Virtual/NASA centers across the country
Stipend: Paid and unpaid internships
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple sessions in a year; Late May/Early June – August (summer)
Application Deadline: February 27 (summer)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, full-time students (high school through graduate level) aged 16 at the time of application, with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
NASA OSTEM Internships allow high school students to collaborate with professionals in aerospace and STEM disciplines. You’ll contribute to projects that may focus on scientific research, engineering challenges, or data analysis, depending on your assignment. The internships are available in both full-time and part-time formats, offered during the school year or summer. Placements can be at NASA centers in person or completed remotely. This program allows you to experience what a career in space science or engineering might involve.
12. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Students are placed within a 45-minute commute from their homes
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer; Flexible dates
Application Deadline: November 22 – January 19
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors; 16 years old by internship start date
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program offers a paid, eight-week internship for high school students interested in fisheries and aquatic science. As a Hutton Scholar, you will have the opportunity to work with a professional mentor from your local community. Internship activities vary by location and may include fieldwork, lab research, data analysis, or community outreach. You could take part in projects like habitat restoration, electrofishing, or water quality monitoring. Scholars are required to submit biweekly time sheets along with a progress report midway through and a final report at the end of the program.
13. NextWave Pre-College Experience
Location: University of New England, Biddeford, ME
Cost: $2,000
Cohort size: 40
Dates: July 6 – 12
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12
The NextWave Pre-College Experience is a program that allows you to conduct research, develop solutions to real-world problems, and present your findings. You’ll work in a hands-on environment that integrates technical, healthcare, and societal considerations, such as sustainability. The program includes academic sessions, team brainstorming, and experiential activities such as a boat trip, a teaching kitchen session, and a seaweed farm visit. Evening activities include beach games, a baseball game, and a dive-in movie. If you complete the program and subsequently enroll as a full-time student at the University of New England, you will be eligible to receive a $2,000 tuition scholarship.
14. Johns Hopkins Virtual Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: 5 weeks from July – August
Application Deadline: December 1 – March 1
Eligibility: Current rising juniors or seniors in high school
The Johns Hopkins Virtual Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a five-week online program intended for high school juniors and seniors who have an interest in neuroscience. You’ll take part in live lectures, virtual laboratory simulations, and receive guidance from researchers at Johns Hopkins. The program covers fundamental concepts in brain science along with laboratory methods used in neuroscience studies. It also features professional development sessions to help you explore academic and career pathways in science. Upon completing all program components, you’ll gain a stronger understanding of neuroscience and earn a certificate of completion.
15. Girls Who Code: Summer Immersion Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Low to moderate selectivity
Dates: July 7 – 18 (U.S. only); July 28 – August 8 (U.S. and International students)
Application Deadline: April 16
Eligibility: Current 9th-11th graders
Girls Who Code’s Summer Immersion Program is a free, two-week online course for high school students interested in computer science. You’ll participate in live lessons covering programming, user experience design, and game development. Through project-based learning, you’ll work with a team to design and build your own game. Supported by major tech industry sponsors, the program also connects you with mentors who work in technology and digital design fields. You’ll learn how computer science research impacts real-world technology while developing collaboration skills and strengthening your technical abilities, regardless of your prior experience level.
Image source - Lumiere Education