Occupational Therapy Career Camp for Native American High School Students
Description


Native American high school students in grades 10-12 from across Maine and New England are invited to explore a career in occupational therapy in a one-week, overnight camp at the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham campus. The goal of this camp is to increase exposure and access to health care careers for Wabanaki and other Native American high school students. The camp will include classroom and experiential learning, field trips, and cultural activities in a small group setting. Students will have the opportunity to learn about occupational therapy, tips for preparing and applying for a future career, opportunities to connect with Native American healthcare students and professionals, and connect with professors at USM and beyond. Students will also have the opportunity to meet and learn about the interprofessional healthcare team members OT practitioners work with, such as nurses, physical therapists, social workers, and more.

This no-cost camp experience includes:

  • All food, snacks, and lodging on the USM Gorham campus

  • Field trips to shadow in local clinical and healthcare settings

  • Clinical simulation lab experiences

  • Career exploration for healthcare jobs

  • Learning about the college application process

  • CPR and First Aid Certification

  • Presentations from Native American students & healthcare professionals

  • Goal setting, career planning, and mentoring opportunities

  • Merch and giveaways

  • Evening fun and cultural activities

  • And more!



This camp is free to accepted students. Students are responsible for their own transportation to the USM Gorham campus on July 19 and back home on July 25.

**All interested students must apply and be accepted in order to attend. Students are expected to be active participants in learning experiences and abide by the code of conduct. Completed applications must include all information in this online application including tribal affiliation, a short essay, and contact information for a school reference (e.g., guidance counselor, teacher, etc.). **

This camp is being organized by Sarah Grinder, MOT, OTR/L. She is an enrolled member of the Nez Perce tribe and has Lumbee Tribe heritage. She is an occupational therapist and teaches full-time in the USM OT Department. The camp is supported by the University of Southern Maine. Sarah is a scholar in the American Occupational Therapy Association’s RISE Pathways Program, which is made possible by the generous donation from the Sandra Hoskins Legacy Foundation (SHLF) to The Fund To Promote OT.

Please contact Sarah Grinder with questions at sarah.grinder@maine.edu.

Location: University of Southern Maine, Gorham Campus

Dates: July 19-25

Time: This camp is overnight. It begins on Sunday, July 19 at 3PM and ends on Saturday, July 25 at 11AM.

Ages: Grades 10-12

Cost: Free to accepted students. Students are responsible for their own transportation to the USM Gorham campus on July 19 and back home on July 25.

Availability: Applications are open until the camp is full. Students will be notified via ** once accepted.
Location:
University of Southern Maine - Gorham
Dates:
7/19/2026 3:00 PM - 7/24/2026 11:00 AM
Ages:
Grades 10th - 12th
Cost:
$0.00
Availability:
This session has openings
Registration will end on 7/11/2026.