The Lewiston Youth Advisory Council’s latest project, “The Dream Project … You Can Reach Your Dreams Not Only in Your Sleep,” is a multi-faceted project to encourage local youth to develop goals, aspirations, and dreams for their future.

The council was established by the Lewiston City Council in 2001 to provide a means for youth to learn about municipal government, become engaged in their community, undertake projects to enhance the city, and to represent Lewiston youth, according to a news release from Dottie Perham-Whittier, Lewiston communications and community relations coordinator.

The Dream Project was born after members expressed concern that some community youth face challenges that make the future seem bleak.

“We want youth to know they are not alone in this world. We also want them to understand that they have value,” said Zara Bimbi, LYAC secretary.

To start their efforts, council members have discussed their personal definitions of the word success. The council will shortly begin sharing its definitions of success on Lewiston’s social media, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

In addition, to hear directly from other Lewiston youth, the council has composed a survey for Lewiston middle and high school students asking questions such as, what do you see your life looking like in 10 years; what do you think you need to succeed; do you have struggles that cause anxiety about your future; do you know what future career options are available to you; do you feel valued in school; what are you really interested in; do you have a support system?

Lewiston School Superintendent Jake Langlais approved in-school distribution of the survey, and so far 55 responses have been received by the council. According to the council, answers to the survey are helpful as they develop content for an upcoming Dream Project youth forum. Concerns expressed in the surveys thus far include student debt and self-doubt about being able to accomplish what they want to do. Other themes that stand out in the survey will be shared at the upcoming Dream Project youth forum.

The forum, the date of which is to be determined, will focus on various careers and interactive ways to engage youth in thinking about their future, as well as helpful resources such as College Board online.

Another aspect of the council’s outreach is The Dream Project pin, which Lewiston school employees may volunteer to wear. If a student sees someone wearing a pin, the student will know that person, while on school grounds, is available to discuss dreams for the future, post-secondary goals, and resources of which they might not be aware.

To learn more, visit lewistonmaine.gov.

 

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