AAI will host scholars at NMCC this weekend
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Aroostook Aspirations Initiative is set to host its annual Scholar Weekend July 15-17, 2016 with many of the events taking place at Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle.
The nonprofit organization holds the trainings to help first- and second-year Gauvin Scholars gain skills they need for success in both college and the workforce. Many local entrepreneurs will present on topics ranging from job opportunities in Aroostook County to the skills needed to run a successful business, along with their own business success stories.
The weekend will be divided into two simultaneous trainings: SHANTE (Skills, Habits, Aspirations, Networking, Teamwork, Education) Weekend and AWESOME (Acquire: Wisdom, Experience, Success, Opportunities, Mentors, Energy) Weekend.
SHANTE will focus on trainings designed to help the 2016 Gauvin Scholars prepare for success in college. Topics will include fears about college, study habits, stress management and financial planning, as well as a college survival panel with officials from Northern Maine Community College, the University of Maine at Fort Kent, the University of Maine at Presque Isle and TRiO College Access Services.
Scholars attending SHANTE will also get the chance to meet the 2015 Gauvin Scholars, who will share tips and advice about college to the incoming freshmen. Jessica Baldwin, a 2015 Gauvin Scholar, is excited to share her experiences and newfound knowledge with the class of 2016.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to be a mentor to the freshmen on their way to college. I hope to be able to make a positive difference with my advice on how they experience their college years,” Baldwin said.
AWESOME Weekend is designed for second-year Gauvin Scholars and will focus on professional development and preparing students for the workforce. Training will include applying for a job, resume writing, a speed interview, professional goal setting, financial planning and etiquette training.
Both the first- and second-year scholars will participate in a community service project in which they assist in facilitating the Potato Blossom Festival Parade in Fort Fairfield on July 16.
