15 Summer Programs in Maine for High Schoolers in 2025
What’s Covered:
- Why Summer Programs Benefit High Schoolers
- 15 Summer Programs in Maine for High Schoolers
- How Do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?
If you’re wondering what the best way is for you to spend the summer, consider a pre-college summer program. Ranging in length from a few days to several weeks, these programs allow high schoolers to expand their skill sets while meeting and interacting with other students who share their interests.
While some summer programs are highly competitive, requiring letters of recommendation and application essays, others are open to all students of a certain age or grade level. So, how do you choose the right program? Read on to learn about the benefits of summer programs, along with 15 of the best options available in Maine.
Why Summer Programs Benefit High Schoolers
One of the best reasons to consider a pre-college program is that it allows you to get a feel for university life. Many summer programs involve students living in dorms and attending rigorous college-style classes. This is a great opportunity for students who have never lived away from home to get accustomed to the experience.
Staying at a college over the summer can also help you narrow down your school lists by developing preferences about what you like. Living in a city might help you determine the type of campus environment you are looking for. You can also get a sense of whether the subject you’re studying over the summer is one you’d want to pursue as a major or career.
So, which pre-college program is right for you? Here are numerous exciting programs offered by schools in Maine:
15 Summer Programs in Maine for High Schoolers
1. Upward Bound Summer Program
Dates: N/A
Location: Bowdoin College
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
For students who are first-generation, low-income, or attend one of the designated high schools in Maine, Upward Bound provides an amazing opportunity to have a college experience and further themselves academically. Over six weeks, students take courses in laboratory science, writing and literature, math, and a foreign language. There are also many opportunities to help students navigate the college process, like special Senior Seminars, SAT prep classes, trips to local colleges in the New England area, a college fair, and a variety of workshops.
2. Maine College of Art & Design Pre-College
Dates: July 12 – August 2
Location: Maine College of Art & Design
Application Deadline: April 15
Cost: $5,100 (tuition and board for a single room); $4,600 (tuition and board for a shared room)
If you have a talent for the arts, this pre-college program may be the perfect choice for you. Offered by the Maine College of Art & Design, this three-week program lets rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors customize their experiences by choosing two majors from the following list of options:
- Animation
- Illustration: Comics & Graphic Novels
- Painting
- Printmaking
- Ceramics Handbuilding
- Fashion & Textile Design
- Black & White Darkroom Photography
- Metalsmithing & Jewelry Design
Participants earn three college-level studio elective credits for completing this program.
3. Consider Engineering | University of Maine
Dates:
- Session 1: July 13 – 16
- Session 2: July 20 – 23
- Session 3: July 27 – 30
Location: University of Maine
Application Deadline: April 15
Cost: Free
The University of Maine hosts this four-day overnight program for high school juniors, which allows participants to experience a slice of college life and learn what it takes to become an engineer. Students participate in engineering experiments and problem-solving challenges under the guidance of practicing engineers and network with other aspiring engineers while living and learning at the University of Maine, Orono. The admission process is competitive, and just 108 students are chosen to participate in this fantastic summer program.
4. Maine Summer Youth Music (MSYM) Camp
Dates: July 13 – 18
Location: University of Maine
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $720 (residential); $225 (commuter meal plan $155)
For more than half a century, young musicians have been attending this residential camp to make music and experience the University of Maine firsthand. MSYM offers large and small classes and ensembles in a variety of areas, including:
- Jazz Ensemble
- String Ensemble
- Concert Band
- Symphonic Band
- Musical Theatre
- Chorus
MSYM runs a junior and senior camp concurrently—the junior camp is for students in grades 5 through 8, while the senior camp is aimed at students in grades 8 through 12.
5. Cohen Institute’s High School Summer Leadership Program
Dates: June 22 – 28
Location: University of Maine
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free (Students are nominated by their high school are fully funded)
This program immerses high school seniors, at least one student from each of Maine’s sixteen counties, in both the theory and practice of leadership. Fifty students are chosen to participate, and they receive insights about leadership and public service from many high-profile leaders across several fields. Participants will learn through immersive and co-curricular programming, as well as outdoor experiential learning. Additionally, the program allows high school students from all over the state to form a connection with UMaine, the state’s premier R1 university.
6. New England Suzuki Institute
Dates: June 22 – 28
Location: Colby College
Application Deadline: June 1
Cost: $561 and up (depending on course selected, on- or off-campus housing, and other fees)
The New England Suzuki Institute is a music immersion program based on the Suzuki method, which teaches music in a manner similar to how people learn their native language. The program is open to students of violin, viola, cello, piano, and guitar of all ages. Space in the program is limited—just 120 students are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis—so register early if you’re interested.
7. Great Books at Colby College
Dates: July 20 – 26
Location: Colby College
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $850-$1,350 (depending on commuter/residential status and additional activities)
Although this week-long summer program isn’t specifically for high schoolers, those who are avid readers are sure to be interested in it—it combines learning about great works of literature with living on Colby College’s picturesque campus. Participants in this program will sit for lectures, take part in group discussions, watch films, and engage in group activities.
This year’s theme is Existential Perspectives and will explore seven works:
- At the Existential Cafe by Sarah Bakewell
- The Stranger by Albert Camus
- Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
- The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera
- An Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro
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- Love by Clarice Lispector Françoise Sagan
- Pigeon Feathers by John Updike
8. Young Dancers Intensive
Dates: June 28 – July 12 (Extensions: July 13 – 19)
Location: Bates College
Application Deadline: May 9
Cost: $2,750-$2,900 (the cost depends on the choice between a single or double room)
Serious dance students ages 14 to 18 will want to check out this rigorous residential dance program. Participants take five classes a day, work with professionals, attend performances, and receive mentorship while building their skills. The program culminates with a cumulative class performance. Topics studied include: modern dance, ballet, street styles, composition, improvisation, and various somatic practices as well as learning Repertory pieces with professional choreographers.
Select advanced students ages 16 to 18 can stay for the “Extensions” program. Running from July 13 – 19, it allows participants to continue their training and build on what they worked on in the previous two weeks.
9. Island Through Time
Dates: July 27– August 8
Location: College of the Atlantic
Application Deadline: March 14
Cost: $4,400
High school juniors and seniors can study whales, birds, and ecology outside of the classroom—and in their own environment—while earning college credit in this awesome summer program. Participants visit everywhere from College of the Atlantic field stations to small island villages to seal haul-outs and communicate their experiences through writing, painting, and drawing. The College of the Atlantic is located near Acadia National Park where students can learn from National Park Service Professionals about implementing the “national park idea.” The program culminates with a final team presentation delivered to professors and peers.
Upon successful completion of the program, students who apply and are accepted to the College of the Atlantic are eligible for a $10,000/year scholarship should they choose to matriculate as a degree candidate.
10. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine Jumpstart Program
Dates: May 15 – June 26
Location: Online
Application Deadline: April 1
Cost: ~$600
This six-week intensive summer program allows ambitious high schoolers to get a jump on earning college credit. The college offers five classes in its “Maymester,” including an English class on horror author and Maine native, Stephen King. If you don’t want to travel or aren’t able to, the online nature of this program might suit you well.
11. Health Careers Explorations Camp
Dates: June 28 – 30
Location: University of New England
Application Deadline: April 15
Cost: Free
This free program is designed to expose students from rural and underserved communities to careers in health care. During this residential camp, students learn about pathways in fields including:
- Dental Hygiene
- Dental Medicine
- Osteopathic Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Neurodevelopmental and related disabilities treatment
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Physician Assistant
- Public Health
Participants also take part in college and career preparation sessions. Students who live locally also have the option of attending the day camp activities only.
12. Girls Leadership Week
Dates: July 7 – 11
Location: Portland, ME
Application Deadline: Registration is at 7:30 AM on the first day of the program (July 7)
Cost: $745
Young female-identifying sophomores, juniors, and seniors will build confidence and courage through experiential activities in this exciting summer program. The program culminates with a trip to Cow Island, allowing participants to display the skills they learned throughout the week and engage in experiential activities. The program is led by strong guides who model what it means to be a positive, inclusive, and resilient leader.
13. Maine Media Camp
Dates: July 27 – August 1
Location: Husson University
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $450
Learn about media and communications in this week-long summer program for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The program introduces participants to fields like:
- Audio Engineering
- Extended Reality
- Graphic/Visual Design
- Journalism
- Live Sound Technology
- Marketing Communications
- Photography
- Video/Film Production
- Integrated Technologies
Students gain real-world experience through hands-on activities and working in the New England School of Communications studios.
14. UNE NextWave Pre-College Experience
Dates: July 6 – 12
Location: University of New England
Application Deadline: May 30
Cost: $2,000 ($100 deposit is required to secure a spot)
The University of New England’s NextWave Pre-College experience is a week-long program dedicated to giving high school students (grades 10–12) the chance to explore, collaborate, and innovate in a university setting. Participants will be able to conduct research, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as create a final presentation to share their findings. NextWave gives participants a chance to live on campus, eat meals in the dining hall, access the campus’ facilities, and bond with fellow high school students. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a $2,000 scholarship towards tuition should they choose to enroll at UNE as a full-time undergraduate student.
15. The Jackson Laboratory Student Summer Program
Dates: May 31 – August 8
Location: The Jackson Laboratory | Bar Harbor, Maine
Application Deadline: January 27
Cost: Free
This 10-week summer program is for high school seniors and undergraduates with an interest in genetics and genomics research. Students are paired with an experienced mentor and participate in an ongoing research program. The program is extremely competitive—just 40 students are chosen from a nationwide applicant pool. Not only does this program not cost anything, but participants receive a $6,500 stipend.
How Do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?
Most selective colleges and universities evaluate extracurriculars according to four tiers. Tier 1 encompasses the most prestigious and specialized activities, while Tier 4 represents those that are the most common.
While most summer programs usually fall into Tiers 3 or 4, there are some highly prestigious ones, particularly those that are free and very selective, that fall into higher tiers, such as The Jackson Laboratory Student Summer Program.
If you’re wondering how your summer program of choice and other activities will affect your chances of admission to your dream school, try our chancing engine. This free tool takes into account factors like grades, test scores, and extracurriculars to estimate your odds of acceptance to hundreds of colleges and universities. Plus, you’ll get tips on how to boost your profile!
