Category: Student Opportunity

Applications Open for 2025 Maine DOE Student Cabinet

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has opened applications for its 2025 Student Cabinet, a group of students that meets with the Maine DOE to discuss educational initiatives, opportunities, improvements, and policy. Applications are due on Friday, December 20, 2024.

This is the fifth year that the Maine DOE has appointed students to a Student Cabinet, which serves as a forum to integrate student voices into decision-making that impacts their journey through Maine’s education system. In past years, students have helped to identify mental health needs at school, raised issues of racial equity and school safety, and brainstormed ways to individualize learning.

Students in grades 4-12 and those in their first year of college may apply to be on the Student Cabinet. The newly appointed members will serve from January through April 2025. Student Cabinet members will be expected to attend scheduled during their appointment, prepare for each meeting as needed, work collaboratively with one another and with Maine DOE staff, and express views and opinions openly, constructively, and respectfully.

2025 Meeting Schedule:

  • Thursday, January 16, 2025, 3:30-5:00 p.m. via Zoom
  • Thursday, February 13, 2025, 3:30-5:00 p.m. via Zoom
  • Thursday, March 6, 2025, 3:30-5:00 p.m. via Zoom
  • Thursday, April 17, 2025, 3:30-5:00 p.m. via Zoom

Instructions for applying:
Students interested in serving on the Maine DOE Student Cabinet must submit their electronic application by December 20. Applications can be submitted electronically here.

For more information, please contact Rachel Paling, Communications & Outreach Manager for the Maine Department of Education, at rachel.paling@maine.gov.

 

 

 

Empowering Students with Diverse Abilities: Nominations Open for Executive Student Transition Committee

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Transition Maine program invites educators to nominate Maine students with individualized education programs (IEPs) to apply for a leadership role on the Executive Student Transition (EST) Committee.

Established by the Maine DOE in early 2022, Transition Maine was created to provide equitable and inclusive post-secondary transition services for students with IEPs to help them ease into adulthood. Since then, the Maine DOE Transition team has been on a mission to amplify youth voices in Maine and beyond. The Executive Student Transition Committee is a big part of that mission.

The Committee is comprised of students with diverse abilities who work to champion their rights and actively shape inclusive transition experiences. As an Executive Student Transition Committee member, a student will engage in initiatives that forge pathways to promoting equitable access to education, employment, and independent living while building leadership and self-advocacy skills.

Committee members independently attend virtual weekly meetings and develop content related to transition topics, like self-advocacy and determination. They also engage in leadership opportunities in community-wide programming, such as taking part in the planning of the Maine DOE’s Annual Transition Maine Youth Summit and representing Transition Maine at local, statewide, or national events.

Along with the nomination form, student nominees will need to prepare a written, audio, or video response to a topical prompt around advocacy and transitions. This can be done independently or with the assistance of an educator.

Executive Student Transition Committee nominees should be students who are passionate about leadership and advocacy. Members

New committee members will help plan and run the 2025 Transition Maine youth Summit in Presque Isle.

of the Committee are compensated for up to 20 hours per month. By joining the Committee, students will be part of a team dedicated to driving positive change and creating opportunities for all Maine students with diverse needs.

Please submit your nomination using this link. If you are a student or want to provide a potential nominee with more information, you can download the file linked here. 

For more information, please reach out to the Maine DOE Transition Specialist Titus O’Rourke at titus.orourke@maine.gov.

Maine FFA Association Members Engage at 97th National Convention in Indianapolis

This October, Indianapolis, Ind. played host to a sea of blue corduroy jackets when more than 70,000 FFA Organization (formerly “Future Farmers of America”) members came together for the 97th National FFA Convention. Maine students from several FFA chapters said they had the experience of a lifetime joining their peers for this event.

The Maine FFA is a student-led organization, focused on premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. Schools across Maine offer FFA chapters for middle and high school students who are interested in agriculture and natural resources. During their time in Indianapolis, Maine FFA students heard from keynote speakers Dr. Temple Grandin and Kevin Wanzer, met with business and industry professionals, explored a career and college exposition, watched a rodeo, and more.

Maine FFA State Officers Hannah Shaw and Lane Carmichael served as delegates at the 2024 National FFA Convention, and they had a voice in shaping policy recommendations for the organization.

“The National FFA Delegate Experience is one I will never forget!” Shaw said. “Knowing that you are making decisions to help the future of the organization is truly an honor. Working with members from across the country helped me gain a new perspective. The lessons and skills you learn through FFA push you to grow as a person and will stay with you throughout your entire life.”

Other Maine FFA State Officers Mia Arcott, Haley Mayne, and Julia Pierce engaged in workshops, connected with stakeholders, served as flag bearers, cheered on their peers in competitions, and brought back ideas from the convention to strengthen Maine FFA. Arcott had an important takeaway from her workshop, which was focused on finding common ground with others.

“An important thing we learned was that you may not understand everything about someone, but you should always be willing to learn more,” Arcott said. “Engaging in conversation, even with those who are different from you, is so important.”

Students from Mars Hill FFA, Ashland FFA, Caribou FFA, Easton FFA, and Presque Isle FFA also attended the convention. They represented Maine in Career and Leadership Development Events, which provided them an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and abilities. As a result of their hard work and dedication, teams received the following awards:

  • Caribou FFA: Agriculture Technology and Mechanical Systems – Bronze-placing team, plus two Silver and two Bronze individual placings
  • Ashland FFA: Farm and Agribusiness Management – Silver-placing team, plus one Gold, one Silver, and two Bronze individual placings
  • Presque Isle FFA: Employment Skills – one Bronze individual placing
  • Easton FFA: Environmental and Natural Resources – Bronze-placing team, plus four Bronze individual placings

These young leaders returned to Maine with new ideas about how to best serve Maine FFA members and their communities. The officer team has even set a goal of expanding FFA programming across Maine and welcomes discussions about starting new chapters.

“The National FFA Convention was absolutely amazing!” Mayne said. “I had the opportunity to attend leadership workshops and experience so many great things. It was truly an inspiring event that helped me become a better leader. The energy and passion from everyone there were contagious, and I left feeling more motivated and equipped to make a positive impact in my community.”

This experience would not have been possible without the support of Maine Agriculture in the Classroom grants and generous sponsors who supported the officer team and local chapters.

For more information about the Maine FFA Association, please visit the Maine Department of Education’s website or contact Emily Doughty, Maine FFA State Liaison, at emily.doughty@maine.gov.

2023/24 Maine DOE Student Cabinet Closes Out Another Successful Year

The Maine Department of Education’s 2023/2024 Student Cabinet hosted their final meeting in the Spring, a culmination of the students’ work throughout the school year.

Co-chaired by student representatives from the Maine State Board of Education, the Student Cabinet provides a forum for Maine students’ voices to be heard. This is the fourth year the Maine DOE has appointed students to a Student Cabinet to integrate student voices into decision-making on education issues that impact their journey through Maine’s education system. This year’s Co-chairs were Ryan Hafener, a recent Hampden Academy graduate, and Phat Thai, a rising Senior at Deering High School.

Throughout the year, students had many opportunities to provide feedback to Maine state government leaders, including the Maine Department of Education and Governor Mills, starting with their first meeting in Augusta in the winter. They also met virtually monthly to talk more about education and brainstorm ideas for improving students’ needs at school. A 2023/24 Cabinet subgroup also convened outside of regular meetings to formulate a Student Cabinet vision statement and agreements.

“It is our hope that future Student Cabinets will adopt and update the vision statement and agreements for years to come,” said Phat Thai, Maine DOE Student Cabinet co-chair. Thai led the sub-group of students who worked on the vision statement and set of agreements this year, a student-initiated project.

The final meeting of the 2023/24 Student Cabinet consisted of a listening panel, during which students shared more details on their thoughts and ideas about the mental health needs of students, issues of social justice at school, and school safety with state leaders from the Maine DOE and many other state agencies, as well as Maine education stakeholders and administrators from Maine schools.

The students also had the opportunity to meet with Commissioner Pender Makin and other leaders from the Maine DOE to brainstorm ideas about what makes schools great and what they want and need from them to thrive.

The 2023/2024 Student Cabinet was concluded at the end of the spring meeting. The Maine Department of Education will open applications for vacant seats in the fall of 2024, after which the 2024/2025 will be announced, and meetings will resume. The 2024/2025 Student Cabinet will be co-chair Phat Thai will be joined by the newly appointed State Board Student Representative Cedar Worster, a rising Junior at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School in South Paris.

For more information about the Maine DOE Student Cabinet, visit the Maine DOE website or contact Rachel Paling, Maine DOE Communications and Outreach Manager, at rachel.paling@maine.gov.

Lincoln Academy Students are Building a Greenhouse to Support Their Free Summer Program

(The Lincoln Academy edLab students who built the greenhouse deck and foundation to support their outdoor learning space.)

The greenhouse will be a part of Lincoln Academy’s Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative program, LA Launch.

Lincoln Academy’s edLab students have been building a greenhouse to support the school’s new LA Launch Program. This free summer program, funded by the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative, will support rising 9th graders preparing to enter high school.

The Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative is a statewide effort to increase access to engaging, hands-on outdoor experiences and career exploration for middle and high school students throughout the state. The initiative, created by the Maine Department of Education, was born from a promise made during Governor Mills’ 2022 State of the State Address to provide children with more opportunities to get outside and engage with Maine’s natural beauty following the pandemic.

Students in edLab, Lincoln’s alternative education program, took the lead on the construction project with the help of edLab Director Jody Matta and their teachers. As part of the project, edLab teachers and students researched the town of Newcastle zoning process and received guidance from Town Planner Michael Martone. Students prepared and applied for the building permit. With assistance from the facilities department at Lincoln Academy, edLab students wrestled with the many rocks at the site and dug the foundation area. Along with the base for the Maine Garden Products greenhouse, they also built a deck to be used as an outdoor education space.

“It was a great opportunity for us to learn about the process involved in constructing a new building,” said edLab student Ariel Cowan. “It is information that we will be able to use in the future.”

“Our students worked hard on the greenhouse project, and I am proud of their work,” said Matta. “We look forward to utilizing the greenhouse as a learning space in the future.”

High school students sit at a metal table covered in oyster shells, paper, clipboards, pens and plastic gloves. Some students are inspecting the oysters while others write on their clipboards.
As part of the LA Launch program, students will learn about oyster aquaculture at the University of Maine’s Darling Marine Center.

The LA Launch program is designed to support students as they transition to high school and help them connect with Lincoln Academy while they learn more about their community and the importance of connection in a marine ecosystem.

“The greenhouse is a great resource that will allow LA Launch participants to explore and experiment, which will supplement our field trips to meet with community members and learn more about fishing, aquaculture, boatbuilding, and outdoor recreation,” said Lincoln Academy’s Director of Applied Learning Maya Crosby.

Crosby worked with Heather D’Ippolito, Lincoln Academy’s Director of Community Engagement and Development, to build the LA Launch program and apply for the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative funding. Lincoln Academy was one of more than 60 organizations that received funding through the Maine DOE grant, thanks to an expansion of the program announced by the governor.

The Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative grant covers participants’ transportation and the school is providing lunch. Families interested in enrolling their rising ninth graders in LA Launch should reach out to the program director, Andrew Jonash, at jonash@lincolnacademy.org or visit the Summer at Lincoln Academy page.

Sign Up for the Free Summer Launch Program Here

Maine Garden Products will deliver the greenhouse in mid-July and place it on the prepared base. The project will be completed by the end of July, before the LA Launch program starts in August.

If you live outside the Lincoln Academy district or want an alternative summer program, check out the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative’s search program table. Over a hundred free summer programs are happening all over the state!

The Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative was created with Federal Emergency Relief Funding and is a part of Maine’s Whole Student Pandemic Response. Please visit the Maine DOE Website to learn more about Whole Student Pandemic Response and the many other programs that make it up.

Bucksport Eighth Graders Unplug and Help Out During Camping Trip at Birch Point Beach State Park

(Bucksport eighth graders had the opportunity to watch the aurora borealis over the ocean.)

This May, eighth graders from Bucksport Middle School left the screens behind for a weekend of learning and service at Birch Point Beach State Park in Owls Head. Miles Bisher, Bucksport Middle School’s social studies teacher and outdoor club advisor, brought his students out as part of the Teens to Trails’ Life Happens Outside® Challenge, one of the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative’s 2024 programs.

The Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative is a state-wide effort to increase access to engaging, hands-on outdoor experiences and career exploration for middle and high school students throughout the state. Since its creation in 2022, the program has brought thousands of students on outdoor adventures inspired by educators like Bisher.

“When I was in high school, my outing club advisor took our club on extended camping trips, and those experiences had a profound impact on my life by exposing me to new experiences outside with peers, in settings that would challenge me physically and mentally, and allow me to grow as a person and develop some resiliency and adaptability in the face of adversity. I wanted to offer a similar experience to my 8th graders,” explained Bisher. “Additionally, the prevalence of screen time and phone/social media usage for teens has skyrocketed, while teen time spent outside and synchronous, in-person time with friends has plummeted, and I wanted to show students the innumerable benefits of flipping those two trends.

Teens to Trails Program Manager Samantha Andrews accompanied the group from Bucksport on their trip. Teens to Trails is a nonprofit organization whose mission is “connecting Maine teens to life-changing experiences.” Their Life Happens Outside® Challenge is a weeklong competition for middle school communities. To compete in the challenge, students track every minute spent outside – whether on a dedicated trip like Bisher planned or doing everyday actions like walking the dog or taking out the trash. The challenge takes place May 10-17, and at the end of the week, the eight schools with the most outside minutes logged win $1,000 to apply to future outdoor activities.

“Teens to Trails hears from healthcare experts, parents, and teachers that teenagers feel better on the inside when they spend time outside,” said Executive Director Alicia Heyburn in a recent press release. “We heard so many amazing stories from students and faculty about the positive impact spending a week outdoors can have.”

Bucksport students were a testament to this effort: “I felt like I didn’t need my phone even after we left and felt better and more in the present,” said one student. It made me feel so much better. I felt more energized and like I had time to do things again,” said another. I had some of the best nights of sleep I’ve had in a long time.”

This is Teens to Trails’ first year working with the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative, and the Challenge is just one of four free programs they are offering students. The initiative, created by the Maine Department of Education, was born from a promise made during Governor Mill’s 2022 State of the State Address to provide children with more opportunities to learn about and explore Maine’s natural beauty and resources after two years of the pandemic.

“Teens to Trails and Bucksport Middle School are grateful to Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative for supporting a student opportunity to enjoy a weekend of coastal camping. The experience also marked the first overnight trip for this great group of middle schoolers,” said Jennifer Hazard

Two students snuggled up for their first night of camping.
Bucksport students arrive for their camping trip.
Students enjoyed the sunset over Birch Point Beach.
One student explores a small cave.
Students explore the woods on Owls Head.
Students explore the woods on Owls Head.

 

During their trip, Bucksport Middle School students worked together to complete many important projects, such as cleaning up debris on Birch Point Beach State Park’s trails, replacing picnic tables, and burning branches off fallen trees. There were also opportunities for fun, such as exploring Owls Head Lighthouse and hiking Mt. Megunticook. Students were even lucky enough to watch the colors of the Northern Lights reflect over the water. Experts from the Maine Bureau of Parks & Land visited on Saturday evening to teach students about the solar system and constellations and allowed them to see the moon through a high-power telescope.

When asked about their favorite parts of the trip, students most noted their appreciation for being away from technology and, of course, the best part of any camping trip: s’mores.

“The air in the morning with the ocean a bit away and the smores and the energy that came along with it,” one student told Bisher about their favorite part of the trip.

Another noted, “It was probably one of the best camping experiences that someone could experience. I felt like I always had something fun going on, and it was nice talking to people I usually wouldn’t.”

Bucksport middle schoolers can identify the importance of engaging with nature. “Outdoor experiences like this are important for teenagers because they don’t realize how fun or relaxing it is to do these things until they actually do it,” explained one student, “we are constantly on our phones and so disconnected from the real world. Most kids don’t get to have that experience.”

Bisher agrees with the sentiment: “Outdoor education and experiences are not just important but absolutely critical for the holistic development of children and adolescents. Kids need to take risks, be challenged, face and overcome adversity, learn to be adaptable and flexible, disconnect from screens and the online world, and reconnect with the physical world of nature with their friends. Everything is more real and authentic outside, and students need that, now more than ever.”

There are still dozens of free Maine Outdoor Learning programs happening this summer. If you or a student you know is looking for a fun way to spend the summer outside, please visit our searchable program table by tapping or clicking here.

The Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative was created with Federal Emergency Relief Funding and is a part of Maine’s Whole Student Pandemic Response. Please visit the Maine DOE Website to learn more about Whole Student Pandemic Response and the many other programs that make it up.

Two Maine Students Named 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars

Congratulations to these students!

From the U.S. Department of Education: 

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona today announced the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.

The Maine scholars include (hometown, scholar, school, location):

  • ME – Kennebunk – Isaac N. Kahn, Kennebunk High School, Kennebunk, Maine.
  • ME – Raymond – Kylie Jade Thibodeau, Gray New Gloucester High School, Gray, Maine.

“The 161 high school seniors selected for the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Presidential Scholars represent the best of our nation’s schools and inspire hope in the bright future of this country,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “On behalf of President Biden, I am delighted to celebrate their accomplishments, and encourage these scholars to continue to aim high, lift up others, and embrace opportunities to lead.”

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on academic success, excellence in the arts and in technical education, through essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership.

Of the 3.7 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,700 candidates qualified for the 2024 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or through nominations made by chief state school officers, other partner recognition organizations and YoungArts, the National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists.

As directed by Presidential Executive Order, the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of two students from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 scholars in the arts and 20 scholars in career and technical education.

Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 8,200 of the nation’s top-performing students. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. 2024 is the program’s 60th anniversary.

The Presidential Scholars Class of 2024 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer with an online recognition program.

A complete list of 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available at http://www.ed.gov/psp.

America’s Field Trip Opportunity for Youth through National America 250 Commission

The following student opportunity was shared by the Secretary of State’s Office. 

It is nearly 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and organizations across the country are gearing up to recognize this milestone and the history of our nation.

A national commission was created in 2016 to begin preparation for the commemoration. This nonpartisan commission, America 250, seeks to create opportunities to reflect upon our nation’s past, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.

The National America 250 Commission has announced one of their first initiatives, a nation-wide competition for students grades 3 thru 12,  in recognition of the importance of youth voices and their promise for our future.

Students are asked to submit artwork, videos, or essays in response to the contest’s prompt: “What does America mean to you?”

25 students from each grade span will win a three-day trip to tour historical sites. Other prizes include $500 for students, and teachers affiliated with the winning projects also receive a $1,000 cash prize. Rules, submission requirements for each grade span, scoring criteria, and further information can be found at: America’s Field Trip – America250

Deadline for submissions is May 17, 2024

We will continue to share any national opportunities from the America 250 Commission that might benefit your students over the next couple of years as we prepare for America’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.

21st Annual MLTI Student Conference Registration Closes Soon; Calling for Session Proposals

There’s still time to register to attend the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) Student Conference! Join us for a fun-filled day of technology learning with #CampMLTI, the in-person student conference.  Registration to attend the in-person MLTI student conference on May 23rd at the University of Maine in Orono is open until April 5th.

Please register using this form as soon as possible to ensure your group can attend. 

The MLTI Student Conference is a unique technology experience developed exclusively for students at MLTI schools.  Since MLTI’s beginning in 2001 this conference has been providing students with their own conference where they can engage in authentic, relevant, technology-rich, learning experiences that prepare them for a fulfilling future. Starting in 2020, MLTI has offered a virtual Student Conference and now we offer two events annually. The 2024 virtual conference, the Maine Winter Classic, occurred last month and brought together approximately 5,000 participants from schools in every county across the state.

Submit a session proposal! 

The Maine DOE is issuing a call for session proposals for the in-person student conference on May 23rd, 2024 at the University of Maine at Orono. 

Conference Theme: #CampMLTI – This year’s conference is using a fun summer camp and camping-based theme. We love to have sessions that are tailored to the theme, but it’s not a requirement. There are endless possibilities for session topics. Technology-focused is essential; from traditional use of tech to unplugged, it’s all on the table. 

Sessions should be “platform agnostic” (not device specific) and feature only free apps and tools that are accessible to all, and appropriate for 5th through 10th grade MLTI students. If you have concerns or questions about these requirements, please contact the Maine DOE Learning Through Technology team at doe-ltt@maine.gov. 

Sessions can be led entirely by educators or students co-led with educators. We will also consider educational organization, higher ed, and other education stakeholder proposals. 

Sessions are blocked for 90 minutes and should actively engage students in exploration, creation, and collaboration through technology and/or computer science. Presenters should plan to deliver their session twice, unless their schedule needs prohibit this. 

We hope you’ll consider submitting a session proposal and join us. To submit a session proposal, please complete this form. 

Important Dates 

  • Friday, April 5th, 2024 – Registration Closes 
  • Friday, April 5th, 2024 – Session Proposals Due 
  • Monday April 8th, 2024 – Notification of Session Acceptance 
  • Monday, April 8th, 2024 – Session Registration Opens 
  • Friday April 26th, 2024 – Session Registration Closes 
  • Thursday, May 23rd, 2924 – MLTI (in-person) Student Conference

For further questions, please contact the Maine DOE Learning Through Technology team at doe-ltt@maine.gov. 

Worthington Scholarship Foundation 2024 Scholarship Application is Open for Public High School Seniors in Maine

The Worthington Scholarship Foundation is offering scholarships of up to $20,000 to high school seniors from any of Maine’s 134 public high schools, who will attend a Worthington-eligible 4-year college or a community college in Fall 2024.

Applicants must also:

  • Be a legal Maine resident
  • Have a B- or higher GPA if planning to attend a 4-year college
  • Have a C- or higher GPA if planning to attend a community college
  • Have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $20,000 or less as determined by the FAFSA

Scholarships are awarded based on merit and financial need and are renewable for up to eight (8) semesters. Award amounts are up to $20,000 to attend a 4-year college and up to $16,000 to attend a Maine community college with the option of continuing to a 4-year partnering college.

The foundation also provides student support services to its scholars throughout their college careers and works closely with each partner college to help students attain their education goals.

Applications are due April 15, 2024.

For more information and to complete an online application, please visit worthingtonscholars.org. For additional information, email info@worthingtonscholars.org or call 207-596-5800.