2022 Goals
Each year, Wayfinder serves 65 Maine youth who need a second chance at high school graduation. More than 60% of our students are teen parents and more than 50% have experienced housing and food insecurity. All have struggled in traditional school settings.
Wayfinder students receive individualized, strengths-based instruction in their own homes as they work toward completion of 24 core requirements in academics, parenting, and practical life skills.
In recent years, 100% of our graduates have reported increased confidence, life skills, job skills, community connection and work readiness. More than 60% have pursued post-secondary education and more than 70% have secured employment within six weeks of graduation.
Our goals for the coming year include:
- To increase the high school graduation rates of teen parents and at-risk youth in Maine
- To ensure our students graduate with increased confidence, life skills, job skills, community connection, and work readiness
- To increase the parenting skills of young parents enrolled in our program
- To increase the post-secondary educational and career success of our students
When you attend this school, you will get confidence, independence, knowledge, and bravery. This school gave me everything I needed. They gave me hope.
— Aya S., Portland, Class of 2021
Fundraising Events / Opportunities
We have two fundraising events scheduled this year. The first is an online reprisal of our “Great Escape” auction, featuring five fabulous get-a-ways to bid on in time for Valentine’s Day. The second is our semi-annual “Finding Our Way” live storytelling event, featuring local Maine celebrities and Wayfinder graduates who will share funny, poignant and inspirational stories of finding their way, live from the stage. Be sure to save the date for this event! 7pm on April 14, 2022 at The Camden Opera House.
Giving Opportunities
Every donation made to Wayfinder Schools helps ensure Maine youth are able to graduate from high school and find post-secondary success in their Maine communities. Many of our graduates are the first in their families to complete high school. Most stay here in Maine to work and raise their families. A gift to Wayfinder helps strengthen Maine families and communities for generations to come.
Giving Opportunities:
- Donate to our Annual Appeal
- Make an Online Gift
- Sponsor a Student
- Sponsor a Fundraising Event
- Attend/Participate in a Fundraising Event
- Make a Gift in Honor of a Student, Graduate, Teacher, Friend or Loved One
- Underwrite a Newsletter, Workshop or Field Trip
- Consider a Legacy Gift
I encourage all who are seeking alternative schooling to find their way with Wayfinder. It has changed my life. I can now find a stable job to provide for my family.
— Nika L., Belfast, Class of 2021
Volunteer Opportunities
Wayfinder is fortunate to have a dedicated team of community partners and volunteers who help ensure success for our students and our school. We can’t do this important work without them. This year’s volunteer opportunities include:
- Mentoring Students/Leading a Workshop
- Serving as an Advisor on a Graduation Project
- Assisting with our Finding Our Way Event in April 2022
- Joining our Development, Fundraising & Events Committee
- Assisting with Promotion of Events and Other Student & School Activities
- Sharing Career Expertise and Providing Opportunities for Career Exploration
