Do you know a Maine high school junior who’s passionate about science and curious about the ocean? Applications are now open for a no-cost, immersive ocean research experience through the Keller BLOOM Program, offered by the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences.

The Keller BLOOM Program runs May 17-22, 2026, and gives selected students the chance to spend a week living and learning on Bigelow’s East Boothbay campus, working alongside professional scientists using advanced equipment and real research techniques.

Founded by Bigelow scientist Maureen Keller, the Keller BLOOM Program is designed to introduce students to hands-on ocean science, from field sampling and data collection to laboratory investigation and analysis. Participants explore the biological, chemical, and geological characteristics of Maine’s marine environment and learn firsthand what a career in ocean science can look like.

Current Maine high school juniors — including those who are homeschooled — are encouraged to apply. No previous research experience is required, and there is no cost to participate; Bigelow provides chaperoned room and board for the week.

Sixteen students from across the state will be selected, with representation from Maine’s various counties being a priority. During the program, students may participate in field activities, laboratory investigations, and discussions with scientists about careers, ethics, and real-world ocean research.

Applications are due April 10, 2026. For more details and to submit an application, visit the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences Keller BLOOM Program application or contact Dr. Nicole Poulton at npoulton@bigelow.org or 207-315-2567 x513.

Image courtesy of the MY AMERICA website.

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to share a new civic learning opportunity for Maine educators and students: MY AMERICA: From Ground Zero to Common Ground, a nationwide, youth-driven art and civic engagement campaign taking place during a period of national reflection in 2026.

Through this initiative, Maine students will have the opportunity to contribute directly to a national commemorative artifact, a large-scale mosaic of an American flag composed of thousands of individual student-created tiles from across all 50 states. Each tile will feature a student’s original message, artwork, or poem reflecting their perspective on unity, democracy, and what it means to live together in the United States today. When assembled, the mosaic is expected to measure approximately 150 feet by 80 feet, creating a powerful visual representation of youth voice and collective expression.

MY AMERICA invites young people to engage thoughtfully with the nation’s past, present, and future during a moment that includes both the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. The campaign acknowledges that while these anniversaries hold significance in the nation’s civic history, they also sit within a much longer and more complex narrative, one that encompasses the histories and cultures of Indigenous peoples whose presence on this land predates the formation of the United States.

Building on the legacy of the original United We Stand for America youth flag created after 9/11, MY AMERICA centers youth voice as a means of reflection, dialogue, and shared meaning-making. The project affirms that democracy is not static or complete but rather an ongoing practice shaped by many perspectives, experiences, and histories.

Educational Opportunities for Maine Classrooms

Participation in MY AMERICA offers rich, flexible learning opportunities across grade levels and content areas. The project is well suited for:

• Civics and social studies, supporting inquiry into democracy, civic identity, and multiple perspectives on national history.
• Arts and humanities, emphasizing creative expression, symbolism, and storytelling.
• Interdisciplinary learning, integrating history, literacy, visual arts, and student voice.
• Project-based learning, engaging students in reflection that culminates in a contribution to a national public work.

Educators may adapt participation to align with local curricular goals while inviting students to grapple with complex questions about history, belonging, responsibility, and the future they hope to shape.

Maine’s Participation

Maine is a coalition partner in the MY AMERICA campaign, and the Maine DOE encourages educators to consider participating. Through this effort, Maine students will be represented alongside peers from across the country, ensuring that Maine perspectives, experiences, and values are part of a national artifact that reflects the diversity and complexity of our shared civic life.

How to Get Involved

Educators may register their classrooms to receive a free participation kit, which includes fabric tiles, markers, and classroom guidance. Kits are scheduled to be mailed at the end of January.

Completed tiles must be returned by October 1, 2026, although educators are encouraged to submit them before the end of the school year in June, if possible.

To learn more or register, visit MyAmerica2026.org. Questions may be directed to Maine DOE Chief Teaching and Learning Officer Beth Lambert at beth.lambert@maine.gov.

By participating in MY AMERICA, Maine educators and students have the opportunity to engage in meaningful civic learning while contributing their voices to a national work that reflects on where we have been, acknowledges the histories that shape us, and looks toward a more inclusive and shared future.

Please note that due to the widespread impact of winter storms—including school closures, postal service delays, and power and internet outages—the National Civics Bee is implementing a one-time, nationwide extension of the 2026 essay submission deadline to Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The Maine State Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is bringing the National Civics Bee® to Maine—offering middle school students a new opportunity to strengthen their civic knowledge and engage in meaningful learning about democracy, community, and citizenship.

The National Civics Bee® is designed to encourage students to explore real-world civic issues while building skills that support informed citizenship, resilient communities, and a strong future workforce. Maine students in grades 6-8 are invited to participate by submitting a civic-focused essay by February 17, 2026.

From the essay submissions, the top 20 students will advance to a live state competition in Waterville, scheduled for June 2026. The state champion will go on to represent Maine at the National Civics Bee® Championship in Washington, D.C., in the fall of 2026, when students from across the country will compete for major prizes, including a $100,000 grand prize.

The student application portal is now open, and additional details, resources, and submission information can be found on the National Civics Bee® website. All competition dates are set by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and may be adjusted as the pilot program evolves.

For more information about the National Civics Bee®, or to learn how to help share this opportunity with Maine students and educators, please contact Angela Ouellette at angelao@mainechamber.org.