Programs

Maine Research Internships for Teachers and Students (MERITS)

MSGC announces the Summer 2009 Program is now open for High School Students!!

Important Notice: If you are having trouble sending in your application electronically as directed in the instructions, email Jana Hall informing her of your situation and send in your original hard copy application materials to our mailing address. You will not be penalized for a late submission.

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 and Seniors.. 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.

The high school student program is now open for internship opportunities for the summer of 2009.

Teacher Program
Any classroom teacher (K-12) in a Maine school who has an interest in science, math, engineering or technology may apply. Application evaluation will be based upon interest in science/math/technology/engineering and a letter of endorsement from a principal or department head.

The teacher program is not open this year (summer 2009). MSGC intends to grow the program and offer teacher opportunities in the future.

The college program is not open this year as well, but we intend to offer opportunities to undergraduate students in the future.

2009 MERITS Program Guidelines

2009 MERITS Student Application Package

2009 Teacher recommendation form (pdf)

2009 Teacher recommendation form (Microsoft Word)

2009 MERITS FAQ for Students, Teachers and Host Institutions

2009 List of Participating Host Institutions (continually being updated)

2009 MERITS Host Mentor and Institution Guidelines

2009 Host Institution Information Form

Teachers: If you have trouble downloading, completing or sending the pdf version of the teacher recommendation form, we have now provided a Microsoft Word format form (see above)

Important Dates:

Notice of Intent to apply to the program: November 14, 2008

Student Applications Due: January 16, 2009

Internship Dates: tbd - (expected June 29, 2009 to August 14, 2009)

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.