What is Waypoint?

• 6-year mentoring program for RSU1 students (grades 7-12)
• 24 trips and 120 cohort meetings over 6 years
• Experiential learning focused on college and career readiness
• 1:1 mentoring and leadership opportunities
• A source of support for students in their transition from 8th to 9th grade as well as from 12th grade to their next chapter.

Starting in 7th grade, students stay with a small cohort and dedicated mentors until 12th grade, ensuring consistent support through adolescence. A new cohort kicks off each school year - and you can be a part of it! Over the 6 years, Waypoint students complete camping, hiking and canoe trips across Maine. These trips create essential community building experiences, and community partnerships - business support, volunteers, and more - helps make adventure possible.

MYC's Waypoint Program is part of Maine's larger Rural Youth Institute and their continuation of the work started by Aspirations Incubator.

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Each year focuses on themes: Sparking Lifelong Connections; Engaging with Community; Character in Action; Discovering New Perspectives; Mapping the Future: College and Career; Navigating the Next Chapter. 

Five Waypoint Goals

• Grow civic engagement, awareness, compassion, and community service within the local community.
• Improve understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of the natural world.
• Increase self-resilience and determination to succeed.
• Expand individual leadership and community-building skills
• Strengthen commitment to post-secondary or technical education.