Aroostook County

The “Voice of the Future” project brings youth across Aroostook County together for monthly, low-pressure events where they can hang out, have fun, and talk about real-life issues that matter to them. Through games, food, and open conversations, youth build connections, share their voices, and grow as leaders in their communities. This work builds on the Aroostook Teen Leadership Camp (ATLC), a weeklong program where youth develop skills in leadership, teamwork, and topics like mental health, healthy relationships, and substance use prevention.

Lewiston & Auburn

Youth Led Justice’s Building Peace Project will support 8–10 young people in creating their own personalized wellness plans through programming from June to September, shaped by their ideas and goals. Youth will have opportunities to reduce stress and build connections through experiences like spending time outdoors, including a possible camping trip. The project also helps youth access local basketball and boxing gyms, creating safe, supportive spaces to strengthen both mental and physical wellbeing while building positive relationships.

Baileyville

This project will grow a youth-led wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu program where young people can stay active, build skills, and feel like they belong. Youth help shape practices, support each other as teammates, and take on leadership roles by helping coach younger participants. Funding will help cover tuition costs so more kids are able to join and participate.

Falmouth

Maine Youth Creative Care (MYCC) is a youth-led project that uses art and creativity to support young people’s emotional well-being in healthcare settings. At the center of this work is Teen Cancer Care, which provides thoughtful care packages to siblings of pediatric cancer patients—making sure their emotional needs are seen and supported during a difficult time. MYCC also leads ArtRx, a program that works with healthcare providers and students to bring art-based activities into care, helping them better connect with and support young patients. Together, these programs make healthcare spaces more compassionate, creative, and responsive to the needs of youth and families.

Augusta & Machias

This project will create a community garden where youth can come together to grow plants, learn new skills, and connect with their community. Funding will support materials like raised beds, soil, tools, plants, and seeds to help get the garden started. The goal is to make this an ongoing, annual project that continues to bring people together year after year.

Houlton

This project will offer a series of dance classes where youth can learn Contemporary, Jazz, Hip-hop, and traditional Jingle Dress dancing in a supportive and fun environment. Over 5 weeks, participants will build skills, express themselves, and connect through movement at the Maliseet Fitness Center. The program will end with a recital where youth can share what they’ve learned with their families and community.

Rockland

This project will bring together LGBTQ+ youth ages 9–22 for two fun, outdoor events in Central and Midcoast Maine where they can connect, build community, and access helpful health and self-care resources. Youth will create their own personalized self-care kits filled with items that support their well-being, while also taking part in activities that build confidence, connection, and self-advocacy skills. These events are designed to be welcoming and low-pressure, with the goal of learning from youth and growing more opportunities like this in the future.

Sanford

This project continues a student-led effort to provide baskets of hygiene products in bathrooms across all grade levels, making sure everyone has comfortable and easy access to what they need. By offering hygiene products directly in bathrooms, students don’t have to ask a teacher or the nurse, helping reduce stigma and make access more private and comfortable. The goal is to keep this project going long-term so it remains a reliable, supportive resource for all students.

Portland & South Portland

Pearl Place Tutoring is a math tutoring program for students living in affordable housing communities through Avesta Housing, with weekly sessions in Portland and South Portland. Each session provides a welcoming space where 8–15 students can build math skills, confidence, and a stronger foundation for school success. Funding will help provide healthy, filling snacks so students can focus and feel supported, as well as interactive math games and hands-on learning tools to make sessions more engaging and fun.

Statewide

SpeechSphere is a youth-led program that helps young people overcome language and cultural barriers through free tutoring, conversation practice, and supportive peer-led spaces. Led by trained youth tutors, the program helps multilingual learners build confidence, improve language skills, and feel a stronger sense of belonging. This project will expand SpeechSphere’s work in Maine through virtual and in-person sessions, school partnerships, and outreach, making it easier for more youth—especially those in rural areas—to access consistent, welcoming language support.