Aspire Gorham is a community-wide initiative that encourages students in every grade and Gorham school to consider their futures. Collaborating with businesses and community organizations in and around Gorham, Gorham staff connect students to professionals for career exposure, exploration, and experience opportunities from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The program began in the 2017-2018 school year, with support from education non-profits JMS and the Melmac Foundation. Under the guidance of Eliza Kenigsberg, the former Community & Career Coordinator for Aspire Gorham,the program has annually expanded its reach and programming. While the experiences look different at each grade level, building relevance for learning and partnering with the outstanding businesses, leaders, and career opportunities in and around the Gorham community is a cornerstone for all.
This year, the Aspire Team includes the Extended Learning Opportunities Coordinator Michelle Bourget and Career Aspirations Coordinator, Kelli Deveaux. Michelle joined the Gorham School Department last February. She brings many years of teaching at both the high school and college level, and manages the myriad Educational Learning Opportunities (ELOs) at the high school.
Kelli Deveaux has long been interested in career exploration and community development opportunities, and these were priorities and success points both in her former role as a high school principal as well as serving as Maine’s Associate Commissioner of Public Education. “Since its inception, Aspire Gorham has been a flagship program statewide, and one that I have admired. When I learned that the position to continue the work of the program was opening, I discussed with my family the rare opportunity to use my administrative experience, my deep connections and commitment to the Gorham community, and my passion for meaningful educational experiences for all students. My two high school children had the final vote on my application, given that I would be in their school, and their space, every day, if I were lucky enough to be hired. I am thrilled to be entrusted with leading this program, and welcome anyone to reach out with questions, suggestions and ideas. This is a collaborative effort on behalf of our community and kids.“
This year the team hopes to continue to connect students with meaningful opportunities, and to further build out the partnerships and outreach efforts with the community. There are many students who are still actively exploring what exists, and others who believe they have found their future career and are seeking internships and opportunities to truly experience and confirm their plans and pathways. The program serves all students and all employment sectors, and aligns them with what training, experiences, post-secondary study or skills they need to reach their goals.
“We also want to engage in more two-way communication with our community and our school families to ensure we are meeting the needs and also educating ourselves and one another on what future skills, knowledge and careers may exist in our rapidly changing future, and ensure that all students are successful.”
Every student in Gorham is touched by the programming offered by Aspire. It includes field experiences such as visiting the fire department for the pre-K or Kindergarten students to learn about their community and the people who work in it, to the annual “Try-It Day” for the middle school students to engage in hands-on experiences, graciously provided by our business partners. GHS students enjoy Career X Days, where guest speakers come to share how they use a specific content in their careers; the Math Department will be hosting this experience in November.
In addition, this semester alone there are over 90 high school students who are doing an internship, apprenticeship, or interest based project requiring 60 hours, check-ins and a final project in order to receive .5 credit. Examples include volunteering with the Gorham Fire Department, restoring a 1967 Chevy Impala, and working with a doctor at Maine Medical Center. “We are thrilled to have worked with over 300 community partners in every sector of the community.”