Each year, Aroostook Aspirations Initiative awards scholarships to seniors at Aroostook County high schools. Administered by Maine Community Foundation, the scholarship fund is supported through a founding endowment and directed donations. The Scholars have access to virtual college readiness trainings, internships and networking opportunities to ensure they have the funding and support they need to succeed in school and their career.
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Gauvin Scholars attend and participate in virtual trainings designed to help them succeed both in college and in the workforce. The College Success Program is designed to help the first-year scholars become familiar with the college environment, build self-confidence, and goal-oriented enthusiasm as they embark on a college education. This helps them discuss the challenges, excitement, opportunities, and stresses of college.
Second-year scholars attend virtual sessions of the Career Readiness Program, giving them the opportunity to develop skills that advance professional opportunities through leadership, resume building, and interviewing. Aroostook County business and community leaders host components of the weekend and provide a networking opportunity for students.
AAI has established Community Action Teams (CATs) in several communities of Aroostook County. Each CAT is made up of students as well as representatives from the community, businesses and the schools. The teams are focused on finding ways to get young people more invested in their communities. Areas of priorities include youth-centered events and community service efforts.
The County Service Challenge is a county-wide community service event. All parts of the community will come together to complete local service projects. The goal of the County Service Challenge is to build community engagement in our youth, community members, business leaders and civic sectors.
The annual Night With the Stars Gala celebrates the Gauvin Scholars and recognizes our supporters. Aroostook Aspirations Initiative presents three awards during the event: Innovative Educator, Mentor of the Year and Business of the Year.
Scholars also receive programming that includes ongoing mentoring and professional/personal development activities.
Ray and Sandy Gauvin have established an endowed scholarship fund to support one graduating senior from every high school in Aroostook County in their efforts to attend college. This remarkable gift reflects their values and their belief that higher education is the gateway to a promising future. This effort represents the best of Maine and challenges all of us to try and make a difference in the lives of others.