History

Young people are critical to Maine’s long range prosperity and quality of life. Therefore, we need to increase the number of young people (age 20-40) and change the perception that there is a lack of professional and personal opportunities in Maine. To accomplish this, REALIZE!Maine connects young people with opportunities to realize their professional, social, and civic aspirations in Maine.

In order to accomplish its mission, REALIZE!Maine works to:

  • Foster and grow networks - real and virtual - of young people across Maine 
  • Raise awareness of and provide information about opportunities for young people to live, work, and play in Maine 
  • Add value to other programs and initiatives in Maine that target young people 
  • Provide Education and awareness to policy makers regarding issues affecting young Mainers

 

The REALIZE!Maine initiative was the outcome of Governor John Baldacciís Summit on Youth Migration in June 2004. The Summit brought together over 300 young Mainers to discuss ideas, opportunities and solutions for making Maine a viable place for young people to live, work and thrive. (Record of Proceedings)

 

REALIZE!Maine became a program of the Maine Development Foundation in 2005. In 2006, the program received catalytic three-year start-up funding from the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation through a Strategic Philanthropic Partnership with MDF.

 

REALIZE!Maine maintains a diverse steering committee composed of 20-25 people ages 20-40 from throughout Maine and from various sectors and industries. The program works in close partnership with regional young persons groups across the state, including Ascend (Brunswick), Fusion:Bangor (Bangor), PROPEL (Portland), KV Connect (Waterville), Cynergy (Augusta), YPLAA (Lewiston-Auburn), Midcoast Magnet (Rockland), Momentum Aroostook (Presque Isle area), oh! (Oxford Hills), and the Boomerang Club (Dover-Foxcroft area).