In 1988, PROJECTS, Inc. helped King Middle School in Portland, Maine establish its “Y.E.S.” program. The program, composed of 20 students in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades, provided participants with the opportunity to work together during and after school to solve community problems. During open periods, students met with advisors twice a week in the library to plan community outreach activities and discuss their progress.

Throughout the first year, students participated in a wide range of leadership, community and service activities. From adventure based team building workshops, to volunteering at homeless shelters, nursing homes and as mentors for elementary school students, King Middle School students engaged in a broad range of service related activities. As a result, they were taught a broad definition of service, and what it means to contribute to their community. Like PROJECTS’ other service-learning initiatives, the focus was on demonstrating to students the importance of civic engagement, and how rewarding volunteer service can be.

To this day, King Middle School excels when it comes to student and community engagement. Actively operating a “Community Connection” area of the school, King Middle School students are often out in the community, engaged in community service projects or expedition fieldwork. To learn more, visit the King Middle School website.