Two organizations that have worked jointly for six years have now expanded and strengthened their partnership.

Aroostook Aspirations and the University of Maine at Presque Isle have partnered since 2012, when Aroostook Aspirations was established.

Now, in an effort to provide area youth with even more wide-ranging higher education opportunities, such as college success activities, internships and community service, the two are expanding their partnership.

As part of a newly signed memorandum of understanding, UMPI will operate the Gauvin Scholar Program, which includes promoting scholar selection, as well as running the College Success Program, the Internship Program, and the Community Service Program.

Sandy Gauvin, Aroostook Aspirations President, said, “We are so pleased to strengthen our partnership with the University of Maine at Presque Isle and to deliver on our promise to provide the very best experience for our scholars that we possibly can.”

UMPI President Ray Rice echoed Gauvin's sentiments adding, “Our partnership with Aroostook Aspirations has been focused around helping Aroostook County students to reach their potential while supporting regional workforce and economic development, and this new agreement will only serve to further strengthen that work.”

A big piece of the new agreement is oversight by the university of the Aroostook Aspirations Scholar Weekend. The weekend is open to all Gauvin Scholars regardless of which northern Maine college they attend.The two-day event is now called the College Success Program and given a broader scope.

 

Aroostook Aspirations officials are excited to see how this support from UMPI impacts programming and the scholar experience.

More From