• info@youthconnectmaine.org
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Programs

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMS — YOUTH CONNECT MAINE

Our Integrated Model  in Education and mentorship are delivered together because one without the other is not enough

1. Pathways to Purpose

(Integrated Academic, Career & Life Success Program)

Purpose & Rationale

Many Maine youth struggle to connect school to real-world careers. This program helps youth discover purpose, build academic confidence, and map realistic postsecondary pathways.

Target Age

  • 14–18 (high school)
  • Core Focus Areas
  • Academic support
  • College & career readiness
  • Social-emotional growth

Structure

  • 12-week cohort
  • Weekly 2-hour sessions
  • Hybrid (in-person + virtual)

Key Activities

  • Academic coaching & goal setting
  • Career exploration & interest assessments
  • College options: 2-year, 4-year, apprenticeships, military, workforce
  • Resume basics & communication skills

Mentorship Integration

  • Each youth matched with a trained mentor
  • Monthly 1:1 check-ins
  • Group mentoring circles
  • Measurable Outcomes
  • Improved grades or school engagement
  • Completed postsecondary plan
  • Increased self-efficacy and goal clarity

(One-on-One & Group Mentorship Pipeline)

Purpose & Rationale

Trusted adult relationships are one of the strongest predictors of youth success. This program creates consistent, accountable, high-quality mentoring relationships.

Target Age

  • Age 12–24
  • Core Focus Areas
  • Mentorship
  • Leadership development
  • Social-emotional support

Structure

  • Rolling enrollment
  • Minimum 6-month commitment
  • Monthly group mentoring + biweekly 1:1 sessions

Key Activities

  • Mentor–mentee goal contracts
  • Leadership discussions
  • Life skills coaching
  • Peer accountability circles

Mentorship Integration

  • Trauma-informed mentor training
  • Cultural humility framework
  • Clear boundaries & accountability
  • Measurable Outcomes
  • Increased school attendance or job retention
  • Improved emotional regulation
  • Stronger adult-youth connections

(Youth Financial Literacy & Economic Empowerment)

Purpose & Rationale

Youth often graduate without understanding money. This program builds financial confidence, independence, and long-term stability.

Target Age

  • Target Age 15–24
  • Core Focus Areas
  • Financial literacy
  • Career readiness
  • Life skills

Structure

  • 8-week program
  • Weekly 90-minute workshops
  • In-person or virtual

Key Activities

  • Key Curriculum Topics
  • Budgeting & saving
  • Banking & credit
  • Student loans & FAFSA basics
  • Paychecks, taxes, and benefits
  • Avoiding predatory lending

Mentorship Integration

  • Financial coaches & mentors
  • Real-life budgeting scenarios
  • Measurable Outcomes
  • Youth open savings/checking accounts
  • Increased financial knowledge
  • Improved money management behaviors

(Youth Leadership & Civic Engagement Program)

Purpose & Rationale

Maine needs future leaders. This program prepares youth to lead ethically, confidently, and collaboratively.

Target Age

  • Target Age 16–22
  • Core Focus Areas
  • Leadership development
  • Communication skills
  • Civic engagement

Structure

  • 10-week cohort
  • Weekly leadership labs
  • Youth-led capstone project

Key Activities

  • Public speaking & facilitation
  • Team leadership challenges
  • Community problem-solving projects
  • Youth advisory council training

Mentorship Integration

  • Leaders paired with community mentors
  • Guest speakers & panels
  • Measurable Outcomes
  • Increased leadership confidence
  • Youth-led community projects completed
  • Improved teamwork & communication skills

(Access, Persistence & Completion Support)

Purpose & Rationale

First-generation students face barriers beyond acceptance. This program supports college access AND persistence.

Target Age

  • Target Age 16–24
  • Core Focus Areas
  • College readiness
  • Academic support

Structure

  • Year-round support
  • Application season intensives
  • Monthly check-ins post-enrollment

Key Activities

  • College & FAFSA workshops
  • Essay & application coaching
  • Scholarship navigation
  • First-year college success skills

 

Mentorship Integration

  • Near-peer college mentors
  • Academic accountability partners
  • Measurable Outcomes
  • College acceptance & enrollment
  • FAFSA completion
  • First-year retention

(Social-Emotional Learning & Wellness Support)

Purpose & Rationale

Youth cannot succeed academically without emotional well-being. This program strengthens coping skills, resilience, and healthy relationships.

Target Age

  • Target Age 12–24
  • Core Focus Areas
  • Social-emotional support
  • Mental wellness
  • Life skills

Structure

  • Ongoing groups
  • Weekly SEL circles
  • Crisis referral partnerships

Key Activities

  • Emotional regulation
  • Stress & anxiety management
  • Identity & self-worth
  • Healthy communication

Mentorship Integration

Trained mentors facilitate SEL check-ins

  • Safe referral pathways
  • Measurable Outcomes
  • Improved emotional awareness
  • Reduced behavioral incidents
  • Increased help-seeking behaviors

(Social-Emotional Learning & Wellness Support)

Purpose & Rationale

Youth cannot succeed academically without emotional well-being. This program strengthens coping skills, resilience, and healthy relationships.

Target Age

  • Target Age 17–24
  • Core Focus Areas
  • Career readiness
  • Professional skills
  • Financial independence

Structure

  • 6–10 week labs
  • Employer site visits
  • Mock interviews & job simulations

Key Activities

  • Resume & LinkedIn development
  • Interview practice
  • Workplace expectations
  • Entry-level job placement support

Mentorship Integration

  • Industry mentors
  • Employer partnerships
  • Measurable Outcomes
  • Job placements or internships
  • Improved workplace readiness
  • Increased earned income