Applications close Sept. 30

Wed, 08/26/2026 - 11:15am

ORONO — The Maine College of Engineering and Computing at the University of Maine will host the state’s first Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp this fall in Orono.

The free, 20-hour program will give high school students in grades 9-12 hands-on experience with artificial intelligence. Participants will explore generative AI, ethics and real-world applications in fields including health care, business, computer science, sports, sustainability and the arts. Students will work with industry mentors, collaborate with peers and create a capstone project that addresses a real-world challenge.

No coding or computer science experience is required, and all necessary devices and materials will be provided, according to UMaine, in a news release.

"Students who are curious about technology, creativity, entrepreneurship or how AI is shaping future careers are encouraged to apply," said UMaine.

The bootcamp will be held over three Saturdays: Oct. 31, Nov. 7, and Nov. 14. Students must attend all three sessions.

Applications close Sept. 30. Learn more and apply at markcubanai.org.

About the University of Maine

As Maine’s only public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, the University of Maine advances learning and discovery through excellence and innovation. Founded in 1865 in Orono, UMaine is the state’s land, sea and space grant university with a regional campus at the University of Maine at Machias. Our students come from all over the world and work with faculty conducting fieldwork around the globe — from the North Atlantic to the Antarctic. Located on Marsh Island in the homeland of the Penobscot Nation with UMaine Machias located in the homeland of the Passamaquoddy Nation, UMaine’s statewide mission is to foster an environment that creates tomorrow’s leaders. As the state’s flagship institution, UMaine offers nearly 200 degree programs through which students can earn bachelor’s, master’s, professional master’s and doctoral degrees as well as graduate certificates. For more information about UMaine and UMaine Machias, visit umaine.edu/about/quick-facts/ and machias.edu/about-umm/umm-facts/.