Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership: Summer Science Programs Recently Updated

Established in 2009, the Hurricane Island Center for Science & Leadership delivers STEM experiential education programs lasting 2-10 days for youth ages 11- 18. We integrate scientific research and education on a Maine coastal island to develop leaders prepared to address environmental issues in a rapidly changing world. 

Hurricane Island summer science programs embed students in experiences that leverage the art and practices of science as tools for leadership and social change. Through personal and group explorations, students explore their own strengths as transformative leaders who can address the sustainability challenges facing our world today.

Programming takes place on Hurricane Island, a beautiful, 125-acre, off-the-grid island in Penobscot Bay. Our programs are packed with hands-on activities that help students to think, observe, and ask questions like scientists, develop leadership skills, immerse themselves in the natural history and ecology unique to the island, and connect and learn from their peers, forming friendships and sharing laughs both while they learn and relax on Hurricane Island. And there's all the fun you'd expect being on an island in Maine.

Activites are dependent on the program, but may include:

• Investigating the intertidal zone and using field research methods to collect data for analysis
• Hauling lobster traps and learning about the biggest economic industry in Maine
• Hiking, swimming, star gazing
• Rock climbing and rappelling in an old granite quarry
• Working with the research team to get hands-on with Hurricane’s aquaculture projects
• Drawing, sculpture, building, and creative problem solving

To learn more about specific programs, dates, and pricing, please visit our website by clicking the button above!

Costs are all inclusive of transportation between Rockland and Hurricane Island, housing, meals, snacks, and all programming. 

Financial Aid

At the Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership we are committed to providing financial assistance to students interested in our programs. Thanks to generous support from our donors, we are able to provide support to students who are excited about learning and doing science on Hurricane regardless of their financial status. 

Non-Refundable Deposits

In order to hold your spot in the program, Hurricane Island requires a non-refundable deposit at the time of registration. For our Summer Science Programs, the non-refundable deposit is 10% of the total cost of the course.

Final Payments

All programs must be paid in full 45 days prior to the start of the program to maintain your spot in the program.

If payments are not made in full by that date, HIF reserves the right to refund all payments made to date, minus the non-refundable deposit, and make your spot available to another participant.

Cancellation and Refunds

If your program is cancelled, we will refund you all payments made to date, including the deposit. If you cancel your enrollment prior to program start:

45 days or more: Hurricane Island will retain your deposit and refund all other payments

15-44 days: You will be refunded 50% of your program cost

14 days or less: No refund issued