Programs

Maine Research Internships for Teachers and Students (MERITS)

MSGC announces the Summer 2010 Program is now open for both High School Students and Secondary Teachers!!

Maine Research Internships for Teachers and Students (MERITS) is a program that strengthens research opportunities for Maine's teachers and students interested in science and technology by placing them in laboratory or field settings. Designed around the premise that research is among the best teaching tools, MERITS includes programs for K-12 teachers and preservice teachers, high school students, and college students. The MERITS Program not only forges new collaborations among industry, research, and education in the state, but also serves to strengthen an educational foundation that helps to produce a highly-skilled workforce to meet the needs of Maine businesses and research communities.

High School Program
The program is open to Maine high school Juniors. Eligible students should be considering a possible career in science, technology, mathematics or engineering. Application evaluation will be based upon: interest in pursuing a career in science/technology/math/engineering, teacher recommendation and academic record.

Teacher Program
Any classroom teacher in grades 6-12 currently employed full-time in the state of Maine and is a U.S. Citizen is eligible to apply. Application evaluation will be based upon demonstrated evidence of incorporating new ideas into the curriculum. Applicants are required to submit an application detailing the expected benefits of the program and a letter of recommendation from their principal.

STUDENT PROGRAM:

2010 MERITS Program Guidelines

2010 MERITS Student Application Package (Microsoft Word)

2010 Teacher recommendation form (Microsoft Word)

2010 MERITS FAQ for Students, Teachers and Host Institutions

2010 MERITS Host Mentor and Institution Guidelines

2010 Host Institution Information Form

Important Dates:

Notice of Intent to apply to the program: November 30, 2009

Student Applications Due: January 4, 2010

Internship Dates: tbd - (expected June 28, 2010 to August 13, 2010)

TEACHER PROGRAM:

2010 MERITS Program Guidelines

2010 MERITS Teacher Application Package (Microsoft Word)

2010 MERITS Host Mentor and Institution Guidelines

Important Dates:

Notice of Intent to apply to the program: December 18, 2009

Teacher Applications Due: January 15, 2010

Internship Dates: tbd - (expected June 28, 2010 to August 13, 2010)

Hands-on Experiences

Since its inception in 1992, MERITS has provided summer and school year opportunities to hundreds of teachers and students at more than 70 businesses and non-profit laboratories across Maine. Participants have worked in a wide variety of research areas including: information technology; semiconductor engineering; electrical engineering; environmental studies; molecular genetics; medical research; estuary and ocean science; marine biology; precision manufacturing; geology and soil science; and analytical chemistry.

MERITS interns have enjoyed work opportunities at a wide variety of host organizations. The following is a list of businesses, government offices, and organizations that have participated in the MERITS program in the past. Links to websites are provided where known.