Cobscook Experiential Program students joined hundreds of teens from across the state earlier this month to participate in the annual Maine Youth Action Network (MYAN) Leadership Conference. MYAN’s works to support youth leadership related to social justice, restorative practices, and public health, and to support adult organizations in using “positive youth development and social-emotional learning principles in their work with youth.” The two-day conference was rich with workshops and key-note speakers, and Cobscook students attended workshops ranging from mental health to drug use and prevention to self-care. Says Jayden Wright, “It was also cool to meet other teens from Washington County. It was good making new friends.” As part of the conference, students visited the Maine State House. As part of that visit, our students met with Rep. Raegan LaRochelle and heard about her journey to public service. Students also had the opportunity to talk with members of the Housing Committee to ask questions and hear about the work of that committee to address the housing shortage in Maine. Cobscook would like to thank our partners at Healthy Acadia, who supported CEP students in attending the conference by covering lodging costs for the event.

Cobscook Experiential Programs is accepting applications from eligible students for the second semester, which starts the third week of January 2024. Program information and the application is available at cobscookinstitute.org/apply.