Maine elementary and middle schools have until Nov. 20 to register for Pine Tree Programming, an after-school coding program that is adding a separate track for returning participants.
The Department of Education's Oct. 30 announcement says clubs will complete six sessions during a Jan. 25-March 15, 2027 window, allowing schools to work around their calendars and February vacation.
New clubs enter Foundations, which supplies micro:bits, small programmable computers, and introductory activities. Explorations is for returning clubs or participants who already have experience with the devices and adds more hardware and challenges.
The department says a Foundations club leader does not need a computer-science teaching background. Coaches receive weekly materials and support, and schools can also use the equipment during the regular school day.
The program grew from 44 clubs in its first year to 66 in its second. Registration and further information are linked in the department notice. Questions can go to computer-science specialist Allison Braley at Allison.Braley@maine.gov.