PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Aroostook Aspirations Initiative (AAI) is supported by a varying number of annual business sponsors each year, who allow it to grow existing programs and develop new programming for Gauvin Scholars and Aroostook County.
AAI officials said business support is also important to the organization because it shows Gauvin Scholars that the community is as invested in them as they are in their communities.
The initiative provides different annual sponsorship levels designed to encourage participation from county businesses of every size. Each level comes with its own realm of benefits such as, complimentary tickets to the annual Night with the Stars Gala, recognition on AAI materials such as website, event programs and posters, as well as opportunities to present or participate at the annual Scholar Weekend, and more.
Kristen Wells, AAI executive director, said annual sponsorship is important to the organization, but is more important when regarding the scholars’ future.
“As a nonprofit organization, fundraising is what makes our work possible. Even more importantly, we depend on the support of our business community – our employers – as partners in our mission to provide opportunities for our young people to live, work, and learn right here in The County,” said Wells. “We can’t do it alone. Our business sponsors and strategic partners work alongside us through their contribution, volunteerism, and commitment to our scholars.”
“It’s encouraging to see how many businesses want to support us and help us throughout college with financial support and internships,” said Kerrigan Arnett, 2015 Katahdin Trust Company Gauvin Scholar.
“As a college student, it may seem hard or intimidating to look for a job or think about the future, but with the Gauvin Scholarship, we get to see that they do care and they are there for us. It also gives us a great connection and talking point for resumes, cover letters, and interviews,” Arnett said.
According to Wells, Aroostook Aspirations Initiative believes today’s young adults are The County’s hope for the future and are the key to the economic development of the region. Investing in students now to ensure that Aroostook youth can go to college and complete their degrees – and to help them connect with local career opportunities – is a promising approach to maintaining and improving the County’s educational attainment and growth, she said.
To learn more, visit gauvinfund.org, like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter AAI/GauvinFund or e-mail them at info@gauvinfund.org. Donations can be made online, in person at AAI, 754 Main St., Presque Isle, or by mail to 26 North Street Box 138, Presque Isle, ME 04769.
