The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is accepting applications for its 2026–2027 Student Cabinet, a group of students who meet with DOE leaders to share perspectives on educational initiatives, opportunities, improvements, and policy. Applications are due November 15, 2026.
Now in its sixth year, the Student Cabinet provides a forum for student voices to inform conversations and decisions that affect Maine students. Past Cabinets have explored topics including mental health, racial equity, school safety, individualized learning, and educator workforce diversification.
During the 2025–2026 school year, Cabinet members also provided input on the DOE’s Measure What Matters initiative, mental wellness, climate education, and other issues affecting Maine schools.
Celebrating Student Bright Spots
In April and May of 2026, Cabinet members took the lead by sharing a “Bright Spot”—a 3-to-4-minute presentation highlighting something positive happening in their school or community.
Students shared stories of student leadership, service, inclusion, creativity, and connection through clubs, performing arts, unified sports, wellness initiatives, Extended Learning Opportunities, student media, community partnerships, and more.
Explore some of the 2025-2026 Student Cabinet members’ Bright Spots:
- Scarborough High School Bright Spot by Michael Winchenbach (Video)
- Mount Blue High School Bright Spot by Nicholas DeMarco (Video)
- Waterville High School Bright Spot by Thresia Reddy (Video)
- Camden Hills Regional High School Bright Spot by Iris Bolduc (Video)
- Hampden Academy Bright Sport by Shelby Gray (Video)
- Brunswick Junior High School Bright Spot by Campbell Frazee (Video)
- Old Town High School Bright Spot by Romlah Ojugbele (Video)
- Scarborough High School Bright Spot by Abigail Rasquinha (Video)
- Cape Elizabeth High School Bright Spot by Brendan Oakley (Video)
- Saco Middle School Bright Spot by Jackson Pfeiffenberger (Video)
- Cherryfield Elementary Bright Spot by Eliza Farnsworth (Video)
- Windham High School Bright Spot by Maggie Soule (Video)
- Gorham High School Bright Spot by Fatima Beshir (Video)
- Messalonskee High School Bright Sport by Isabella Castner (PDF/PPT)
- Camden Hills Regional High School Bright Spot by Maliyah Summer (PDF/PPT)
- Portland High School Bright Spot by Wyatt Clegg (PDF/PPT)
- Baxter Academy Bright Spot by Avron Williams (PDF/PPT)
- Lincoln Academy Bright Sport by Ori Taylor (PDF/PPT)
Apply for the 2026–2027 Student Cabinet
Students in grades 4–12 and those in their first year of college are eligible to apply. Cabinet members will serve from December 2026 through May 2027 and are expected to attend scheduled meetings, prepare as needed, collaborate with peers and DOE staff, and share their perspectives openly, constructively, and respectfully.
Meetings will be held virtually on the following dates:
- Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m., virtual via Zoom
- Tuesday, January 19, 2027, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m., virtual via Zoom
- Tuesday, February 23, 2027, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m., virtual via Zoom
- Tuesday, March 16, 2027, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m., virtual via Zoom
- Tuesday, April 27, 2027, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m., virtual via Zoom
- Tuesday, May 18, 2027, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m., virtual via Zoom
Applications are due by November 15. Apply to the Student Cabinet.
For more information, contact Rachel Paling, Communications & Outreach Manager, at rachel.paling@maine.gov.
