Saco, Maine Youth-in-the-Environment Project

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

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:

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