In 1994 PROJECTS was invited to create a service-learning program at Belfast Area High School in Belfast, Maine. Similar to the programs at Orono and Waterville high schools, PROJECTS raised private money to fund the creation of a service-learning coordinator position at Belfast. In exchange, Belfast Area High School allocated office space and administrative support for the new position. Belfast also appointed a team of staff that acted as a liaison between PROJECTS and the high school.

The goal of Belfast’s new service learning program was to implement a Peer Leadership volunteer initiative that placed student volunteers at for-profit and non-profit businesses and organizations in the M.S.A.D. #34 communities. During the first year, 15 students signed up for the program. Over lunch breaks, student volunteers were trained in a wide range of skills from team building, communication, decision-making and leadership. The students also attended a weekend retreat with the Northeast Center Training Session at Camp Kieve, and a two day long workshop on harassment with a member of Brown University’s Desegregation Center.

Throughout the year, the peer leaders kept a journal, served as tutors and mentors for K-8 students, and volunteered at local organizations within their community. They also promoted awareness around issues involving harassment and the dangers of drug use.

The program proved to be incredibly popular among students, and in the second year participation increased from 15 to 25 students. The program’s reputation for providing quality tutoring and mentoring services to students was highly respected – during the second year there were twice as many requests for mentors as there were available students.

Over the years, Belfast High School’s Peer Leadership group has been quite successful. Now operating under the name of the “Peer Leadership Aspirations Group,” student participants each year participate in training sessions and volunteer work that encourages youth civic engagement. For more information, visit the Belfast Area High School website: http://www.sad34.net/bahs/