Meg Taft 3/31/26 Meg Taft 3/31/26

Rooted in Purpose: Women Driving Change in Rural Youth Work

In this article, the Rural Youth Institute celebrates the leadership of women across the Aspirations Incubator Network, whose vision, commitment, and collaboration are strengthening opportunities for rural youth and shaping the future of youth development.

Meg Taft 2/26/26 Meg Taft 2/26/26

Dreamcatchers: Changing What’s Possible for Rural Youth

Grounded in pillars that emphasize enrichment, community, relationships, new skills, and endless possibilities, Dreamcatchers provides opportunities for rural youth to explore the world around them and become engaged in civic projects.

Meg Taft 2/12/26 Meg Taft 2/12/26

Rural Youth Institute Awards Three Maine Organizations with 2026 Grant Funding

Following the announcement for the Asp irations Incubator Request for Proposals in December 2025, the Rural Youth Institute has awarded three organizations with grant funding to propel their programming and growth in 2026.

Meg Taft 12/11/25 Meg Taft 12/11/25

Investing in Rural Futures: RYI and AmeriCorps

Uplifting rural youth takes more than a single spark. Programming, mentorship, and inspiration are all made possible by community collaboration and group action — a partnership like the one formed by the Rural Youth Institute and AmeriCorps is proof that working together can help bring impact to a new level.

Meg Taft 10/16/25 Meg Taft 10/16/25

NorthStar 4-H Youth Mentoring Program: Rooted in Relationship Building

Since 2017, NorthStar 4-H Youth Mentoring has helped students in rural Maine broaden their horizons and build resilience through adventure, mentorship, and community support. What began as a pilot program in partnership with MSAD #44 has now grown to include youth in Oxford Hills (MSAD 17) and the Belfast area (RSU 71).

Meg Taft 10/6/25 Meg Taft 10/6/25

Rural Youth Institute Featured in Chronicle of Philanthropy

Katharine Wojcik 5/28/25 Katharine Wojcik 5/28/25

Youth Don’t Need AI Friends… They Need Real Ones

Katharine Wojcik 5/12/25 Katharine Wojcik 5/12/25

Incubating Aspirations Across Maine

The Rural Youth Institute is supporting students throughout rural Maine by supporting youth-serving organizations.

Katharine Wojcik 3/10/25 Katharine Wojcik 3/10/25

Don Carpenter Speaks at SXSWEdu

Katharine Wojcik 3/6/25 Katharine Wojcik 3/6/25

Rural Youth Institute Selected for the Every Hour Counts Network

Every Hour Counts is a coalition of citywide organizations that increases access to quality learning opportunities, particularly for underserved students.