Dreamcatchers: Changing What’s Possible for Rural Youth

In Fryeburg, Maine, Dreamcatchers is changing what’s possible for young people, one relationship at a time. Through a six-year mentoring approach rooted in the academic setting, the program offers 360 degrees of support from seventh grade through high school graduation, offering consistency, trust, and encouragement and opportunity, when it matters most.

The vision for this program started three years ago by Aspirations Incubator partner Rivers & Roads, an independent non-profit organization committed to helping students have access to the tools and resources they need to pursue future opportunities. Working in close partnership with MSAD72, the Molly Ockett School, and Fryeburg Academy, Dreamcatchers strives to meet the specific needs and interests of young people in its local community.

Dreamcatchers 8th grade cohort explores Portland, ME to learn what it takes to run two of Portlands most coveted restaurants.

One distinct feature that defines the Dreamcatchers program is its investment within the classroom itself. By directly collaborating with school administrators and working alongside teachers, the Dreamcatchers team weaves itself into the academic settings of the students they work with, supporting them in their educational pursuits. 

“That’s what makes us stand out,” said Jennifer Haiken-Santora, Rivers & Roads’ Director of Development and Co-Founder. “We are creating these opportunities to level the playing field for these young adults. Dreamcatchers is filling in the gaps. We really want them to feel supported in this academic environment so that they not only stay in school but thrive at Fryeburg Academy and pursue post-secondary education.”

The Dreamcatchers philosophy isn’t only rooted in academic success — supporting pillars of enrichment, community, and relationships also strengthen skills and provide new ongoing opportunities for the students within the program.

Civic projects introduced in high school allow program participants to uniquely interact with the world while enriching their leadership and peer mentoring skillset.

Experiential travel aims to expand each student's worldview as they explore Maine, New England, and beyond, visiting college campuses along the way. The outdoors plays a large role in each adventure, from indoor rock climbing, canoe trips and camping to skiing and city discoveries.

Each aspect of the program is shaped by a different theme: the first year asks “who am I?” The second year asks “where am I going?” Now, as their inaugural cohort moves into their third year, this freshman group is asking “how do I get there?”

Dreamcatchers participants climb to new heights at Salt Pump Climbing Co.

The strongest part of Dreamcatchers lies in the powerful community building it promotes to its students. Through the shared experiences and relationships created over their six years in the program, participants develop the confidence to take on new challenges and dream bigger dreams.

This isn’t by accident — the strong ties that Dreamcatchers has to the community it serves are the result of a team that is authentically invested because they’ve grown up in similar environments. This home-grown sustainability deepens the relationships between mentors and mentees, allowing for personal connection and clearer visions of what their future could be.

“There’s a deep importance in just having someone be there for you. When I was younger, growing up in Fryeburg, I had a situation that rocked my whole family. Because of it, I felt lost in high school, without guidance and direction in my life. Now, I find that this guidance is exactly what I'm providing these kids,” said Meredith McClurg, Executive Director & Co-Founder. 

“Being able to be that consistent person that shows up for them regardless of their home situation is important to me to help these kids move forward. I feel like that's something that I could have used when I was in high school. To be able to provide it for other kids now… I know that's what my heart is meant to do.”

As students build strong and lasting support systems through Dreamcatchers, their eyes are opened to what’s possible for youth in Maine and throughout the world. They develop the emotional skills and resilience necessary to continue with their education and envision an attainable future, regardless of the challenges that arise along the way. 

“We want our kids to be compassionate and empathetic,” said Haiken-Santora. “We want them to try new things, to not have fear overtake them. We also want them to really understand and appreciate the community that they're coming from and know that they do have control over tomorrow.”