The Innovate for Maine Fellows Program connects the best and brightest Maine college students with Maine’s most exciting, growing companies and business leaders in an effort to help grow and create jobs across the state of Maine. Emphasizing innovation and entrepreneurship, the program prepares students to collaborate with companies on innovation projects that accelerate company growth and give students a paid, meaningful, hands-on internship experience.
Fellow Benefits
- Paid, hands-on internship experience on real innovation projects
- Exposure to Maine’s entrepreneurship & innovation culture
- One-of-a-kind innovation training
- Networking opportunities with Maine business leaders
- Long-lasting relationships with other like-minded students
Those participating in the program attend a one-week innovation boot camp to bond with fellow students, network with business leaders, and learn what it takes to succeed in innovative and entrepreneurial companies. The boot camp brings together fellows from all majors and backgrounds to form a close-knit cohort—an important part of the support system for the duration of the internship and beyond.
From coffee and chocolate to wind turbines and tropical fish, Innovate for Maine Fellows have the opportunity to work on a number of projects over the course of their fellowship. With each new project, they are able to gain valuable, real-world experience in a variety of industries.
Some past participants have been hired by the companies involved in the program for part-time positions while still in school or full-time after graduation. Many students have been inspired to lay the foundation for starting their own company in the future.
Fellows have the option of working a 400-hour or 200-hour internship starting at the end of May. Most placements are located in the Portland or Bangor regions, but some interns could have the opportunity to work elsewhere across the state, depending on where companies are located and where an intern is willing to work.
Eligible students include those enrolled in undergraduate or post-graduate degree programs from any major at any college or university in Maine, as well as college students from Maine enrolled in degree programs at a college or university outside of the state. The program is only open to students who have not already done two years as fellows.
The early deadline to apply Friday, February 26th, and the regular deadline is Friday, March 12th.