Many high school students don’t realize how many career paths exist across Maine – from aquaculture and farming to public policy, hospitality, and beyond. Too often, teens see only a small slice of what’s out there, sticking to familiar jobs or popular industries. School districts across the state are doing their best to incorporate more programs to expose youth to the diverse career options within the State.
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| WHS senior Elliott Weatherby studies starfish from the DownEast Institute touch tank, which is a sustainable aquaculture and research lab on Beals Island. SUBMITTED PHOTO |
The program, Student Exploratory Adventures (SEA), is a hands-on, real-world learning field trip experience that is designed to connect students with employers, community leaders, and businesses across Maine.
“Through SEA, students have the opportunity to explore Maine’s workforce and economic landscape, discover career paths in fields such as aquaculture, farming, hospitality, public policy, manufacturing, and more, and engage in meaningful conversations with community and industry leaders,” Shetenhelm said. “When students engage directly with employers and the community, they build professional communication, critical thinking, listening, and networking skills – abilities that can’t be fully developed in the classroom.”
Pointing out that Maine is one of the oldest States in the nation, Shetenhelm emphasized that one of SEA’s mission is to ignite students’ interest in local industries. “By giving teens unique, real-world learning experiences, the program aims to inspire them to stay in Maine and explore the career opportunities right in their own backyard.”
For this year’s pilot program, Shetenhelm and Glowczak have provided one field trip per quarter.
The first trip of the year began in October, when the students visited the DownEast Institute, located on Beals Island, Maine. Students had the opportunity to participate in experiments at the Institute's Marine Education Center and lab, experience the marine “touch tank,” tour the shellfish production and research labs, and discover the science behind growing oysters, clams, and more.
Students said the field trip either introduced them to aquaculture or deepened their interest in pursuing it through college, trade school, an ELO, internship, or job shadow. Often, this and other SEA experiences, have opened the door to social connections as well.
“The Aquaculture SEA field trip was really educating and solidified my interest in biology,” one student participant said. “But what was just as exciting is I got to meet new people and felt like I made new friends on this trip.”
December’s Quarter 2 field trip offered students a firsthand look at Maine’s hospitality and tourism industry. At Migis Lodge in Naples, students met with professionals in sales, event planning, human resources, front office operations, and facilities management, gaining insight into the many moving parts behind a successful resort.
Later, the owner of Iron Clad Eats led a hands-on culinary challenge: building and pricing a charcuterie board. After calculating the cost of goods and services, students determined they would need to charge $20 per board to turn a profit – blending math skills with real-world business strategy.
February’s Quarter 3 field trip took students on a deep dive into leadership and public policy with a visit to the State House in Augusta. The youth met with State Rep. Rolf Olsen (Raymond), State Rep. Mark Cooper (Windham) and State Sen. Tim Nangle (Windham). Students also toured the capitol, got to strike the gavel, and observed a joint session – gaining firsthand insight into lawmaking and civic engagement.
Sophomore and ELO student Sophia Atherton stated the visit to the Maine State House helped her understand law and political science. “After this experience, I think I want to pursue a career in the political science field.”
Clayton Johnson, also a sophomore who is on his third ELO, stated he felt empowered with the knowledge, skills, and confidence he gained as a result of this field trip. “I learned a lot about how the Maine government works and feel like I understand it at a deeper level than before.”
Next up for quarter 4 is an exploration in agriculture and manufacturing. Although the exact locations have yet to be determined, the hope is to visit Wolf’s Neck Farm or Pineland Farm and tour Bourgeois Guitars in Lewiston.
For students eager to explore, the opportunities are endless. By connecting with Maine employers, community leaders, and colleges, teens are stepping beyond the classroom into hands-on learning. Motivated and curious, they are broadening their horizons and discovering just how much is possible for their future — one real-world adventure at a time.
The SEA field trips have been funded through the Maine C3 Sunshine Mini-Grant. <
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