12 Business Internships for High School Students in Maine
Interning in high school is a great way to explore your interests, develop new skills, and build a resume that stands out in college applications. If you’re interested in business, internships let you work on projects in marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, and leadership alongside professionals.
What business internships are available for high school students in Maine?
Maine's business internships for high school students are offered through partnerships between schools, local universities, and trade organizations. You can work in areas like international commerce, finance, and tourism, and your tasks may involve market research, social media management, and event planning. An internship gives you access to mentorship from experts, which can help you figure out if business is the right fit for you. If you develop a good relationship with a mentor, you can also ask them for an additional recommendation letter for your college applications.
We narrowed down 12 business internships for high school students in Maine to help you find the right fit, with both virtual and in-person options.
1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Cumberland County, Maine
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; national cohort of 300+ students annually
Dates: Eight-week program in the Summer, including a one-week national summit
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors, legally authorized to work in the U.S., reside in an eligible location (Cumberland County), and have not previously participated in the program.
As a Student Leader in Maine, you spend eight weeks working full-time at a local nonprofit organization, where you learn how community organizations operate and respond to local needs. Your role gives you exposure to workplace responsibilities such as planning activities, coordinating with teams, and supporting community-facing projects. Alongside the internship, you develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills that are relevant to future careers in business, public service, or nonprofit management. You also participate in a national Student Leaders Summit, where you see how nonprofits, government, and businesses collaborate to address social and economic challenges. You gain practical experience in professional environments while learning how organizational decisions are made and implemented.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote (you can participate from anywhere, including Maine)
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered throughout the year, including Summer, Winter, Spring, and Fall, typically lasting 8–12 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
In the Ladder Internship Program, you work remotely with a start-up or nonprofit organization on a real project tied to the organization’s current needs. Depending on the placement, your work may involve areas such as marketing, research, operations, journalism, consulting, or product strategy, which can align with business-related skill development even in non-technical roles. You meet regularly with a supervisor from the host organization and receive structured guidance from a Ladder Coach. Over the course of the internship, you are expected to manage tasks, meet deadlines, and communicate progress in a professional setting. The program concludes with you presenting your work to the organization, giving you experience in explaining outcomes and decisions. Apply now!
3. Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internship
Location: Remote or in major media/tech hubs such as Hearst Television in Portland
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 150 fellows selected annually
Dates: Full-time summer internship; minimum of 8 continuous weeks beginning in May/June
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school seniors planning to attend a four-year U.S. college; at least 18 years old before the internship begins; authorized to work in the U.S
Through the Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internship Program, you are placed in a full-time internship with a media, entertainment, or technology company based on partner needs and your interests. You can work in areas such as business operations, marketing, sales, public relations, journalism, technology, or production, depending on the host organization. You work 35–40 hours per week and gain exposure to how large media and tech organizations operate in professional settings. Alongside day-to-day responsibilities, you develop workplace skills such as communication, time management, and collaboration across teams. Throughout the process, EBF staff support placement and coordination, while the partner company manages your direct supervision.
4. JMG Maine Career Exploration Badge (MCEB)
Location: Statewide (Available at participating high schools and businesses across Maine)
Stipend: $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; cohort size not specified
Dates: Flexible / Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Maine high school juniors and seniors
The JMG Maine Career Exploration Badge, a program designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real workplace dynamics, enables you to get a practical head start in the business world. It covers essential topics such as career planning and financial literacy, helping you understand how businesses and personal finances actually operate. You will log 40 hours of work experience, conduct informational interviews with professionals, and build a resume that stands out to future employers. The program's ‘earn while you learn’ structure pays off with a $500 award, validating your effort with tangible capital. Ultimately, you master critical business skills like professional communication, time management, and reliability that employers value most.
5. Manpower Maine Career Exploration Program
Location: Statewide (Placements at various businesses across Maine)
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; cohort sizes not fixed
Dates: Self-paced schedule agreed upon with employer
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Maine residents ages 16–24
The Manpower Maine Career Exploration Program gives you a direct, paid introduction to the business world, treating you like a real employee rather than just a student observer. The program covers essential workforce topics such as professional communication, financial literacy, and the logistics of employment law. You will engage in practical activities like completing actual federal tax forms (W-4 and I-9), logging up to 75 hours of paid work at a local business, and conducting informational interviews with industry professionals to expand your network. The program focuses on "Essential Work Competencies," ensuring you develop the business skills of time management, adaptability, and workplace problem-solving that every employer demands.
6. Town & Country Federal Credit Union Student Tellers
Location: Southern Maine (Branches in South Portland, Scarborough, Portland, Saco)
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; no cohorts, individual hiring
Dates: Year-round (part-time) or summer
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students
The Town & Country Federal Credit Union Student Teller role enables you to gain firsthand experience in retail banking operations. This position covers essential business topics like regulatory compliance, transaction security, and customer relationship management. You will process member deposits and withdrawals, balance your own cash drawer with zero-error precision, and verify member identities to prevent fraud. The program grants you the same responsibilities and professional expectations as full-time staff. By the end, you will develop critical hard skills in cash handling and financial software, alongside the soft skills of professional confidentiality and client service.
7. L.L. Bean Seasonal Logistics & Retail Internships
Location: Primarily Freeport, Maine (Flagship Store, Fulfillment Center), and West Bath (Manufacturing)
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately competitive; cohort size varies seasonally
Dates: Summer season (May–August) and peak holiday season (October–December)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students aged 16+ for most retail/call center roles
In this internship, you step directly into the operations of a global heritage brand to understand the mechanics of high-volume commerce. This experience covers business topics like supply chain logistics, visual merchandising, and the company's legendary customer service standards. You will manage inventory on the sales floor, process complex point-of-sale transactions, and assist customers in finding technical gear, effectively acting as a brand ambassador. You gain exposure to "peak season" retail dynamics, showing you how major companies scale operations during high-demand periods. Ultimately, you develop transferable skills in operational efficiency, professional communication, and problem-solving under pressure that apply to any corporate environment.
8. Be Your Own Boss Internship - Future Founders
Location: Online (virtual)
Stipend: Up to $250 (tentative)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; limited cohorts per year
Dates: January 20 – February 12
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: High school students nationwide, living in the U.S., in public and charter schools
In the Be Your Own Boss internship, you will explore the startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem while building your own business ideas. You’ll work in teams to create a business concept, develop a basic app prototype, and pitch your idea at a virtual community showcase. You’ll learn directly from experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders who provide guidance, mentorship, and real-world insights. Throughout the program, you’ll gain practical skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation, while connecting with peers from diverse backgrounds to build your professional network. You’ll also have the chance to understand how startups operate, develop your leadership abilities, and practice pitching and presenting in a supportive environment.
9. Cohen Institute’s High School Summer Leadership Program
Location: University of Maine, Orono, Maine
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 50 students statewide
Dates: June 22–28
Application Deadline: Via high school nomination (typically, mid-April)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from Maine
The Cohen Institute’s High School Summer Leadership Program equips you with the executive decision-making skills vital for any future business leader. The curriculum covers ethical leadership, conflict resolution, and strategic team dynamics, awarding you three college credits for the course LDR 100: Foundations of Leadership. You will engage in seminars with executives, tackle outdoor resilience challenges like ropes courses, and collaborate on complex problem-solving case studies. The program is fully funded for rising seniors, granting you free access to high-level networking usually reserved for expensive MBA tracks.
10. JA Titan Challenge
Location: Multiple statewide host sites (e.g., Tyler Technologies in Yarmouth, Thomas College in Waterville, UMPI in Presque Isle)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open Registration; approximately 300 students statewide
Dates: Single-day competition in early April (Preceded by 5 weeks of classroom prep)
Application Deadline: Rolling / early spring
Eligibility: Maine high school students enrolled in a participating class/club
In the JA Titan Challenge, you take the seat of a CEO in the mobile phone industry in a high-stakes business simulation that tests your ability to run a profitable company. The program covers complex economic concepts like supply and demand, capital investment, and corporate social responsibility in a competitive tournament format. You will set product prices, determine production levels to avoid inventory gluts, and allocate budgets for R&D and marketing to compete with other student teams. Throughout, you receive direct mentorship from Maine business leaders who guide you through the simulation at host sites like Tyler Technologies or Thomas College. By the end, you develop financial analysis, data interpretation, strategic negotiation, and decision-making skills.
11. My Place Teen Center Restaurant Job Training Program
Location: Westbrook, ME
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; small rotational teams
Dates: Year-round (Rolling 10-week sessions)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Youth ages 10–18; residents of the Greater Portland/Westbrook area
In the My Place Teen Center Restaurant Job Training Program, you step into a professional commercial kitchen environment, where the focus is on the business discipline of culinary arts rather than just cooking. The program covers restaurant operations, budget management, and the science of food safety. You will rotate through roles like head chef and line cook, prep daily meals for over 50 peers under strict time constraints, and manage inventory to minimize food waste. The program features the "service hierarchy" structure, where you must report to a student supervisor, simulating a real kitchen brigade. By the end, you gain a Certificate of Achievement and the skills of industrial food prep.
12. Aquaculture Pioneers Internships
Location: Statewide (Placements at farms/hatcheries along the coast); Mandatory Bootcamp in Boothbay, ME
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: 10–12 weeks in the summer, typically starting late May/June through August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students age 16+
In the Aquaculture Pioneers internship, you gain direct entry into the business operations of Maine's growing "blue economy.” This program covers the commercial side of seafood production, focusing on supply chain logistics, inventory yield, and operational efficiency. You will manage hatchery systems, track growth data for market forecasting, and assist with the harvesting and processing of products for sale. The program features an initial "bootcamp" that fast-tracks your industry certification before you even start your paid placement at a commercial farm. By the end, you develop critical skills in production management, data recording, and workplace safety that are essential for any scalable agricultural business.