The Maine West Education Aspirations and Attainment work is led by the Education Program Team and is supported by the Maine West Education Director who is housed at the Bryant Pond 4-H Learning Center. Maine West is working in all four districts in the region using evidence-based strategies that center around place-based learning and foster:
Primary areas of work:
- mentorship relationships between youth and caring adults
- connections between schools and community organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders
- resilience to trauma and enhanced social-emotional skills through nature connection in the context of positive youth-adult mentorship
Primary areas of work:
- Build resilience for students (especially at the K-6 level) through networking with MW region Resilience Team members.
- Support the Maine West Education Program Team’s efforts to build mentorship programs in the 7-12 grade levels around the region, building off the success of the NorthStar program in SAD#44.
- Directly support the Maine West Workforce Initiative, which delivers Early College courses, entrepreneurship and innovation training, and workforce experiences to MW students in grades 9-12.
- Support professional development for regional teachers and administrators as they expand their capacity to design place-based curricula and programs that connect academic content to community opportunities.
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A New Grant for Maine West
A $1.2-million grant from the US Department of Labor will help high school students in western Maine explore career opportunities in the region, with a likely emphasis on natural resource-based industries, including wood products, outdoor recreation, and hospitality and tourism. |
Learn more about our programming
7th Grade Career DayRural Aspirations designed an integrated community investigation unit for the 7th graders at Telstar Middle School last year. These middle school students extensively studied the greater Bethel area, both past and present, through a historical natural resources lens. On April 13th, the unit culminated with a career day. Community partners volunteered to work with students on hands-on activities related to their career interests.
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Outdoor Learning
The power of giving kids free time in natural spaces is evident every day in the Agnes Gray School's forest classroom. Behavior referrals and concerns in the woods during recess are non-existent, with kids busy, active, and engaged, using strong and appropriate communication skills, and visibly calmer than on the metal and plastic toys on the playground.
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Some outdoor learning magical moments are as simple as putting magnifying glasses in the hands of 1st graders after a fresh snowfall!
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Gardening projects are underway in six of the eight MSAD#17 elementary schools, with students involved in science standards-based lessons as a part of this fascinating, hands-on, rewarding, and productive work!
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Teen WorkforceEmma Newell, a rising junior at Telstar High School, is part of our workforce development initiative. Last winter, she secured an after-school job at True North Adventureware, where she stocks shelves and supports customers. Jonathan Goldberg, a local supporter of youth, has been an incredible mentor to Emma as she takes on more responsibility in the shop.
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Roberts Farm Experiential Learning
This summer Roberts Farm Experiential Learning was able to hire two youth interns with the support of Maine West Funding. These interns support the Youth Leadership Program, which is a four-week program for middle and high school students in the Oxford Hills, run in partnership with the Alan Day Community Garden. Some highlights of our program so far include student-led lessons with MSAD#17 elementary summer school students, over 30 lbs of lettuce harvested by students for the MSAD#17 food service program, and many hikes on the trails at Roberts Farm Preserve.
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