Maine SMART High School Research Session - Portland4
Description
Join us for a week of research & learning this summer on the University of Southern Maine - Portland campus. Participants will gain a more in-depth understanding of the principles of research - which is achieved through conducting classroom level research focusing on one of the State of Maine targeted technology sectors (https://www.mainetechnology.org/about-mti/technology-sectors/). This session’s objective is to increase understanding of the research process, and to build critical skills by having students conduct research in relevant fields.

This year, our sessions will be focusing on algae research. Participants will also have the opportunity to interact with University of Southern Maine campus resources. Throughout the session, participants will learn how to conduct research, get hands-on experience with lab equipment, and interact with experts in the industry. As we get closer to the summer, we will have more information available.

This session runs in the Science Building on the University of Southern Maine-Portland campus. The address is 70 Falmouth St., Portland, ME 04103. This session runs from Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 3:30pm on the dates listed below.

All participants must currently be enrolled in their sophomore or junior year of high school. All participants must be of good academic standing and capable of participating in an intense academic week-long program.

Participants are able to apply for a waiver, and must contact us to start this process. Please email usmstem@maine.edu to request a tuition waiver.

This session collects demographic information during registration, which is used for reporting in the grant that is supporting this session.

**These sessions are open to any rising junior or senior in high school. Students must be academically prepared to participate. Upon registration, interested participants must print an evaluation form and have a teacher at their school fill it out to vouch for their ability to participate in this program. This form is provided during registration. Participation is not confirmed until we have received & approved of this form.**

This session is run in partnership with Portland Public Schools as part of the Maine-SMART NSF EPSCoR grant entitled “E-CORE RII: Strengthening Maine’s Research Ecosystem and Pathways Through Strategic Capacity Building”. Our participation focuses on the core goal of “increasing the number of students entering STEM fields” and “broadening participation in STEM fields and careers”. You can find more information about this project here: https://umaine.edu/maine-smart/

Want to learn more about our camps? Check out our website here: https://usm.maine.edu/stem-outreach/stem-camps/
Location:
2026 Maine SMART High School Research Sessions
Dates:
Week 4 - 7/13 - 7/17
Time:
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Ages:
Grades 11th - 12th
Cost:
$50.00
Availability:
This session has openings
Registration will end on 7/11/2026.