NorthStar 4-H Youth Mentoring Program
NorthStar 4-H Youth Mentoring is a free program of the University of Maine Bryant Pond 4-H Center at Telstar Middle and High School. Since 2017 NorthStar staff have worked closely with SAD 44 to support students in and out of school with after-school and adventure programming. To summarize, the goals of NorthStar are to expand students’ horizons, aspirations, and resilience. We believe that all young people thrive when supported by a community of caring adults and given opportunities to see the world, try new things, and give back to their communities.
Program Levels
The NorthStar model follows students over six years starting in the seventh grade and ending the summer after high school graduation.
Goals:
Expand students’ horizons and build confidence through civic engagement, community service, and outdoor experiences.- Increase self-resilience and foster the determination to succeed.
- Expand individual leadership and community-building skills.
- Raise aspirations and help to set career or college goals, supporting students and families as needs arise.
Participants continually engage with caring adult mentors; including the NorthStar Coordinator Lyndsey Smith, volunteer mentors, parents, school staff members, business owners, and community leaders. The Bethel Area Nonprofit Collaborative is an important NorthStar partner helping connect the program to other local organizations and groups.
NorthStar has been designed around the the youth programming principles developed by Trekkers, Inc. The Trekkers model relies on consistent, long-term mentoring over six years. NorthStar is funded by the Rural Futures Fund of Portland, Maine, which supports efforts to raise and sustain the post-secondary school aspirations of rural Maine students.
NorthStar in Action – on Trips, in our Community, and in our Backyard!
(Click each image to enlarge.)
Community Supporters
Program Sponsors
NorthStar Youth Mentoring
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