Aroostook Aspirations Initiative (AAI) was chosen as recipient of Bangor Savings Bank Foundation’s Community Matters More grant of $1,000. Aroostook Aspirations Initiative Executive Director, April Flagg, and Director of Advancement, Kristen Wells, accepted the donation on behalf of Aroostook Aspirations Initiative at Bangor Savings Bank branch in Houlton.
“We are thrilled to receive this donation because it reflects the support of individuals in the community who voted for us and $1,000 makes a big impact on our work with Aroostook County students,” said Wells.
Aroostook Aspirations Initiative’s mission is to help more Aroostook County students achieve success in post-secondary education, and as a result help boost the economy in northern Maine. This donation supports Aroostook Aspirations Initiative’s Gauvin Scholar program.
Flagg explains that the Gauvin Scholar program is more than a scholarship, “When students are selected as a Gauvin Scholar, they enter a program that provides mentoring and professional development to help them complete higher education goals and build a future for themselves, right here in Aroostook County. Our students do receive a scholarship but it is the personalized support that really helps these students succeed.”
Aroostook Aspirations Initiative is concerned with the number of high school graduates that leave Aroostook County to pursue higher education each year and do not return to work.
“Outmigration of our youth is a serious problem in Aroostook County,” said Flagg, who encourages students to consider staying in Aroostook County after graduation. “With University of Maine campuses in Presque Isle and Fort Kent, Northern Maine Community College and Husson College, students have access to the full college experience right here in Aroostook without paying the price of the same education further away.”
In addition to the Gauvin Scholar program, Aroostook Aspirations Initiative coordinates a county-wide day of community service, Heidi’s Hope, and an emerging Intern Hub to help connect businesses to people seeking internship opportunities in Aroostook County.
“We need to encourage education, training, and job experience to develop the workforce Aroostook County needs today and in the coming years as our population of most experienced employees retire,” explained Wells, “We want our young people, and anyone interested in Aroostook County, to have the support they need to live and work here. Each person really can make a significant impact in our communities and workforce.”
For more information about Aroostook Aspirations Initiative, visit www.gauvinfund.org, call 760-0558, or email info@gauvinfund.org.
