12 Internships for High School Students in Maine
Internships offer high school students valuable opportunities to gain real-world experience and explore potential career paths. By working in professional environments, you can apply classroom knowledge in practical settings, deepening your understanding of various fields and the day-to-day realities of different professions. This hands-on experience helps you develop essential skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, which are important for future success.
Internships also allow you to network with industry professionals and learn about current trends, which can help inform your career decisions. They can strengthen college applications and job prospects by demonstrating your commitment and proactive approach to career development. For students in Maine looking to take advantage of these opportunities, here are 12 internships offering valuable experience and professional growth.
Cost: $2490 (Financial Aid Available)
Location: Remote and fully virtual
Application Deadline: February 9, 2025, for the Spring Cohort
Starts on: March 3, 2025
Work/Duration: 5-10 hours/week, 8 weeks
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students.
The Ladder Internship is a competitive program offering high school students the chance to gain virtual internship experience with startups and nonprofits worldwide. The program offers opportunities in various sectors, allowing you to select industries that align with your career goals and interests.
As an intern, you will work on real-world projects, gaining hands-on experience in the challenges and opportunities of working in a fast-paced professional environment. This experience helps you develop critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills. While most startups and nonprofits are based in the U.S., Asia, and Europe (including the UK), the work is fully remote, providing global exposure regardless of your location.
The program covers a wide range of industries, including technology, AI and machine learning, finance, environmental science and sustainability, healthcare, business development, marketing, media, and journalism. This diverse selection allows you to gain experience in sectors relevant to your future academic and professional interests.
2. Acadia Youth Conservation Corps
Location: Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine
Cost: Stipend of $15 an hour
Duration: Typically runs eight weeks, Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., usually between June and August. Dates for 2025 TBA.
Applications Open: Dates for 2025 TBA.
Eligibility: 15-18 years old, U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents
The Acadia Youth Conservation Corps (AYCC) offers high school students an eight-week summer program, providing hands-on experience across various divisions within Acadia National Park. Participants assist the park's trail crew and collaborate with different park departments, gaining exposure to park management and conservation efforts. The program helps you develop resilience and foster teamwork with their peers.
Supported by Friends of Acadia, which provides funding and equipment, the AYCC program benefits from leadership and training offered by the park. Established in 1999 through a donation to Friends of Acadia, the program engages young people in meaningful conservation work.
You will work on projects maintaining Acadia's trails, carriage roads, and natural resources. Tasks may include installing check dams to prevent erosion, replacing bogwalks to protect ecosystems, and clearing drainage and vegetation to preserve Acadia’s scenic carriage roads.
3. Maine Elections Youth Council Internship
Location: Maine (Remote/Various Locations)
Compensation: Paid Internship ($15/hour)
Application Deadlines:
- Spring Semester – January 17, 2025
- Summer – May 16, 2025
Internship Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer. Exact dates TBA.
Eligibility: High school students in Maine
This internship program provides high school students with an opportunity to actively engage in their communities and contribute to positive change. You will gain hands-on experience with state lawmaking processes while building skills in community organizing and facilitation. The program offers flexibility, allowing you to tailor your experience to match your interests and goals.
If you are passionate about promoting political equity and increasing voter participation in Maine, this internship could be a great fit for you. Students interested in community involvement, education, youth organizing, or communication—such as content creation and social media—are encouraged to apply. To succeed in this role, you should be a strong communicator, capable of working independently and collaboratively, and able to maintain a nonpartisan approach.
The internship requires a commitment of 5 hours per week, with compensation of $15 per hour. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews after the application process. Each semester, 3 to 4 interns will be selected statewide.
4. Bethel College Summer Science Institute
Location: Bethel College, North Newton, KS (In-person and Online options available)
Cost: $50 registration fee
Application Deadline: Rolling (early registration recommended for preferred research areas)
Program Dates: Summer 2025
Eligibility: High school students with an interest in science and mathematics
The Bethel College Summer Science Institute (BCSSI) gives high school students a chance to engage in advanced scientific research and explore topics beyond the standard high school curriculum. The program offers both in-person and online options, focusing on fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Working under the guidance of Bethel College faculty, you will gain practical research experience, including data collection, hypothesis testing, coding, and statistical analysis. Group sessions will deepen your understanding of the scientific process and its various disciplines.
If you choose the in-person option, you can select two research areas of interest. Early registration is recommended, as each research area is limited to 12-15 participants. Regardless of the format, you will develop a stronger grasp of scientific methods and processes through this program.
5. Maine Government Summer Internship Program
Location: Primarily Augusta, ME, with placements available throughout the state.
Compensation: Paid internship (minimum $15.00 per hour).
Application Deadline: Applications are expected to open on February 1, 2025; review usually starts March 3 (late applications are often accepted until all positions are filled).
Internship Dates: May-August. Dates TBA.
Eligibility: High school and college students with an interest in public service and government.
The Maine Government Summer Internship Program provides students with a valuable opportunity to gain professional experience within state, municipal, and county government agencies. This full-time, 12-week paid internship allows you to contribute to public service initiatives, applying your skills and fresh ideas to real-world challenges in your assigned department. The program is a collaborative effort involving the Office of the Governor, the Maine Bureau of Human Resources, and various government agencies, and is administered by the MCS Policy Center at the University of Maine.
While many internships are based in Augusta, placements are also available in municipalities across Maine, such as Houlton, Portland, Gray, Bath, and Saco. If you are interested in placements outside Augusta, you should express this preference in your cover letter.
As an intern, you will gain hands-on work experience, connect with professionals across Maine’s government and public sectors, and develop a deeper understanding of how state and local governments operate. Supervisors benefit from your fresh perspective, while you leave with enhanced skills and insights into public service.
6. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
Location: Bar Harbor, Maine & Farmington, Connecticut
Cost: Stipend of $6,500 (includes room, board, and travel)
Application Deadline: January 27, 2025, 5:00 p.m. EST
Internship Dates: May 31 – August 8, 2025 (10 weeks)
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students with an interest in genetics, genomics, and biomedical research
The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program provides high school and undergraduate students with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on research experience in genetics and genomics. Over 10 weeks, you will work closely with mentors at The Jackson Laboratory, a global leader in these fields.
As a participant, you will develop an independent research project, guiding it from initial concept to data analysis and final reporting. The program emphasizes both laboratory skills and communication, culminating in a presentation of your findings to peers, mentors, and invited guests. You will gain experience with modern lab techniques while honing analytical and critical thinking skills.
Each year, approximately 40 students are selected from across the U.S., creating a diverse and collaborative community of emerging scientists. Research opportunities are available at The Jackson Laboratory’s Bar Harbor, ME campus and its Farmington, CT facility.
Beyond research, you can take part in extracurricular activities and explore nearby attractions, including Acadia National Park in Maine or cities like Boston and New York, combining academic development with cultural enrichment.
7. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Online (for high school students across the U.S.)
Cost: Paid Internship ($500 scholarship upon successful completion)
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025 (applications open December 1, 2024)
Internship Dates: Summer 2025 (5-week online program)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors interested in neuroscience and STEM fields
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) provides high school juniors and seniors with a 5-week online summer research experience focused on neurological sciences. Through this program, you will engage in a range of scientific activities, including educational presentations, professional development training, and mentorship. You will also learn basic laboratory techniques and conduct remote experiments.
Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a $500 scholarship to support their education. This internship offers valuable exposure to careers in neuroscience and STEM disciplines, guided by leading researchers from Johns Hopkins University.
8. Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) Internship
Location: Remote and In-person
Cost: Unpaid (Experience-building opportunity)
Application Deadlines:
- Spring Term: November 1, 2024
- Summer Term: April 1, 2025
- Fall Term: July 1, 2025
Internship Dates:
- Spring: February – May
- Summer: June – August
- Fall: September – December
Eligibility: College students and advanced high school students interested in international relations and foreign policy.
The FPRI Internship Program offers Summer, Fall, and Spring opportunities for students to gain research experience and professional development at a highly regarded foreign policy think tank. As an intern, you will work closely with scholars or professionals specializing in regions such as the Middle East, Eurasia, Africa, or Asia, helping you build research skills and explore international relations in depth.
Alongside research support, you will have access to FPRI’s in-person, online, and hybrid events, attend seminars on foreign policy and career development, and may contribute to a research paper for potential publication in Intern Corner. Networking with scholars and policy experts, as well as developing communication, critical thinking, and time management skills, will help prepare you for your future career.
The program offers both remote and in-person options. Remote interns collaborate with supervisors through Zoom, email, or phone. Candidates with foreign language proficiency, research experience, or data analysis skills are especially competitive for research-focused roles.
9.Maine High School Student Summer Internship Opportunities (MERITS Program)
Location: Various host institutions across Maine
Stipend: $2,200
Application Deadline: TBA
Internship Dates: Six weeks during Summer 2025 (exact dates to be confirmed)
Eligibility:
- Must have completed junior year by June 30, 2025
- A GPA equivalent to an A or higher
- Demonstrated interest in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics
- Some experience with the use of computer applications
- Able to commit to a Monday through Friday work week for a six-week summer internship
- Able to provide daily transportation to/from the host institution, if applicable
The Maine Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) offers the MERITS program, a six-week summer internship for Maine high school juniors interested in STEM. Supported by NASA and the NSF EPSCoR Maine-eDNA project, this program gives you the chance to participate in real-world research and technology development at host institutions across the state.
As a MERITS intern, you will:
- Collaborate with professional researchers and scientists on hands-on projects, including data collection, analysis, and advanced technology applications.
- Gain practical experience in STEM fields, expanding your understanding of scientific concepts and methodologies beyond the classroom.
- Develop critical skills like problem-solving, data interpretation, and technical writing while contributing to meaningful research initiatives.
You will receive a $2,200 stipend for your participation, with potential financial assistance for transportation if needed. The program offers valuable real-world experience, opportunities to build professional connections, and a strong foundation for future academic and career pursuits in STEM.
10. Maine College of Art & Design Pre-College Program
Location: Portland, Maine
Dates: July 12 – August 2, 2025
Age Range: 15–18
Program Duration: 3 weeks
Cost:
- $5,100 (Tuition, most studio supplies, activities, single room & board)
- $4,600 (Tuition, most studio supplies, activities, shared room & board)
- $500 program deposit (applied to full tuition)
Application & Deadlines:
- Priority Application & Scholarship Deadline: March 3, 2025
- Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
- Paperwork & Full Payment Due: May 1, 2025
Scholarships: Limited need-based scholarships are available. To be considered, submit completed applications and supporting materials by February 1, 2025. Applications received after this date will be considered if funds remain. Scholarship applicants must provide a copy of their parent/guardian’s most recent tax forms.
The Maine College of Art & Design’s Pre-College Program offers a three-week immersive experience for students aged 15–18, providing a glimpse into undergraduate life in the arts. You will refine your admissions portfolio, enhance critique skills, earn college credits, and connect with peers from across the country.
Set in Portland, Maine, the program combines an enriching arts education with access to nearby beaches and hiking trails. You will collaborate with professional artists and designers while exploring various majors, complemented by a figure drawing course as part of the curriculum.
The program fee includes tuition, most studio supplies, activities, and housing, with options for single or shared accommodations. A $500 deposit is required upon acceptance to secure your spot, applied toward the total tuition cost.
11. Stanford Compression Forum Summer Internship Program
Location: Online
Cost: Unpaid; financial assistance available upon request
Application Deadline: TBA
Internship Dates: Typically runs 8 weeks, and is expected to be in June – August, 2025.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (11th or 12th grade) or early community college (CC) students aged 17-21 by June 17, 2025
The Stanford Compression Forum’s Summer Internship Program offers a fully-online, remote research experience for high school and early community college students. The program introduces you to interdisciplinary research that blends science, engineering, the arts, and more. You will work on projects that align with your interests and strengths while exploring new research areas.
You will collaborate with peers at similar educational levels, while all interns come together for key events such as orientation and final presentations. The program focuses on early exposure to research that connects STEM and humanities, demonstrating how these fields intersect.
The program introduces you to a wide range of research themes across multiple disciplines, giving you the opportunity to engage in advanced research from the very start. Through this experience, you will gain early exposure to the interconnectedness of STEM and humanities, showcasing how these fields complement and inform one another. The program’s goal is to help you explore diverse research topics while emphasizing the integration of humanities with STEM, offering you a unique, interdisciplinary approach to research that will enrich your academic and professional interests.
12. Young Writers and Leaders Program
Location: The Telling Room, 225 Commercial Street, Suite 201 (second floor), Portland, ME
Cost: Free
Internship Dates: October 8, 2024 – June 5, 2025 (expected)
Application Deadline: Applications will reopen in fall 2025
Young Writers and Leaders is a nine-month afterschool literary arts program for high school students from diverse international and multicultural backgrounds. Each year, 24 students are selected through a competitive application and interview process. During the program, you will participate in a range of literary activities, including poetry, spoken word, personal narrative, and documentary storytelling.
Throughout the program, you'll work one-on-one with a writing coach, perform your work for a live audience, and become a published author in a collective book. Beyond developing your writing skills, you’ll receive compensation, build lasting friendships, and enjoy a supportive, fun environment.
The program meets weekly in two groups (Tuesdays and Thursdays) from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., running from October 8, 2024, to June 5, 2025. In addition to writing, you'll receive assistance with college essays and the chance to visit colleges such as the University of Maine at Farmington, USM, and Bowdoin College. The program also partners with USM's Admissions Office for a "Dean for a Day" experience, where you’ll gain insight into the college application process by reviewing real applications and essays.
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships.
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual program where you’ll have the chance to work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! These startups span a variety of industries, including computer science, tech, and engineering. During your internship, you’ll work on a meaningful, real-world project that directly contributes to the startup’s needs, and you’ll present your work at the end of the program.
You’ll collaborate closely with your manager from the startup and also receive guidance from a Ladder Coach throughout your experience. Ready to take the next step? Apply now!