G2O Empowering Maine's Youth: Healthy Acadia, The Opportunity Alliance and Maine Youth Action Network

Pictured above: Members of this year’s Princeton G2O team, from left to right: Christian Borden, Evan Borden, Emma Bailey, Natalie Harriman, Mykalah Howard and Haylee Scott. Pictured below: Members of this year’s Machias G2O team, left to right: Zihoa (Cedric) Ge, Madison Fleurent (Team Leader), Naomi Eyerman, Saphyre Bissonette and Arden Luuring

Healthy Acadia is thrilled to announce its ongoing partnership with The Opportunity Alliance and Maine Youth Action Network (MYAN) for the third consecutive year. As a Gateway for Opportunity (G2O) host site, Healthy Acadia continues its commitment to fostering positive change in local communities. Through the G2O program, two teams of talented youth have been hired for paid summer internships, bringing forth a unique opportunity for growth, skill development, and community impact.

Unlocking Potential: Connecting Youth with Meaningful Work

The Gateway to Opportunity Program (G2O) is a groundbreaking initiative that aims to empower young people experiencing low income, both in-school and out-of-school, by providing them with paid work-based learning projects. These projects serve as stepping stones for the youth participants, equipping them with the essential 21st-century skills required for future career success. Drawing from national best practices for youth employability, G2O represents a fresh and innovative approach to work-based learning.

Specifically tailored for young people aged 16-18, Gateway to Opportunity (G2O) is a transformative six-week summer workforce development program. Its primary objective is to connect the youth with meaningful employment opportunities across Maine. Each participant is paired with a "host site" - a local business, organization, or government agency. Together, they work as a team to design or enhance a community project that places a strong emphasis on the voices of young people. By doing so, G2O creates an engaging and dynamic work environment that nurtures authentic pathways for the youth to develop crucial career skills.

Building Bright Futures in Local Communities

In Machias, a group of three youths and a near-peer team leader have embarked on a mission to organize, plan, and implement the 2023 session of Healthy Acadia's Down East Teen Leadership Camp. Their dedication and hard work will shape an unforgettable experience for aspiring young leaders in the region. Meanwhile, in Princeton, a team of five youths, alongside their team leader, are devoted to developing a comprehensive plan for their town's recreation area. As part of their project, they are creating and installing an inspirational mural, enhancing the community's sense of pride and unity.

Throughout the six weeks of intensive work, Healthy Acadia staff members Camisha Norris, Corrie Hunkler, and Sara McConnell will be providing valuable supervision and guidance to the dedicated teams. McConnell, reflecting on her experience with both groups during their first week, expressed her excitement and optimism for the summer ahead. “Both groups have hit the ground running and I’m excited to see what they accomplish this summer.”  

The partnership between Healthy Acadia, The Opportunity Alliance, and MYAN exemplifies the transformative impact that collaborative efforts can have on empowering youth and fostering positive change within communities. Through the Gateway to Opportunity program, young individuals are not only gaining valuable skills and work experience but also contributing to meaningful projects that elevate their communities. As the summer unfolds, these bright young minds will undoubtedly make a lasting impact, inspiring others and paving the way for a brighter future.

For more information about the Gateway to Opportunity (G2O) visit https://www.myan.org/programming/g2o/

Learn more about Healthy Acadia’s youth engagement initiatives here.