Saco, Maine Youth-in-the-Environment Project

Saco, Maine Youth-in-the-Environment Project

Program Name: Saco, Maine Youth-in-the-Environment Initiative

Funder: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 1

Geographic Scope: Saco, Maine

Program Duration: Multiple summers (2003 and 2004 confirmed)

Target Audience:

High school students ages 16-18

Southern Maine youth

Overview:
Education and training program similar to NYC project, designed to expose youth to environmental careers and work experience in a municipal setting.

Program Structure:

9-week summer program

3 youth interns per year (2003)

Youth assigned to multiple City of Saco environmental facilities

Rotation through various Saco divisions with environmental programs

Field trips to environmental sites around Saco

Host Sites:

City of Saco Public Works Department

Solid Waste Facility

Recycling Facility

Water Pollution Control Facility

Training Components:

Environmental protection field exposure

Career pathway exploration

Work experience

Educational training

Life skills development

Funding Support:

EPA award supports 2 youth directly

Southern Maine Career Center's Summer Youth Employment Program (U.S. Department of Labor) supports additional youth

Outcomes:

Students gained appreciation for environmental protection field

At least one returning participant re-considered future education and career paths in environmental and public service fields

Contact Information:

Phone: 207.771.9020

Email: natlpete@maine.rr.com

Address: 584 Main Street, South Portland, Maine, 04106