ROCKLAND — Trekkers is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our capital campaign, named The Road Ahead, having successfully raised over 90% of our funding goal. This remarkable achievement brings us closer to realizing our vision of a dedicated campus that will serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity for young people and the broader community.

A Community United in Support of Youth
The overwhelming support from our donors, partners, and community members underscores the shared belief in the power of investing in our youth. Contributions to Trekkers are not just donations; they are investments in the future. By supporting programs that nurture, educate, and inspire young people, we are creating pathways for young people growing up in Maine to thrive into adulthood. 74% of those who had a mean­ing­ful men­tor say that per­son con­tributed sig­nif­i­cant­ly to their lat­er suc­cess in life.

Why Your Support Matters
Investing in youth programs is crucial for several reasons:
- Empowerment and Growth: Programs like Trekkers provide young people with the tools, skills, and confidence they need to succeed in life. These programs foster personal growth, leadership, sense of connection and resilience.

- Community Strength: When we invest in our youth, we invest in the future leaders of our community. Our students develop the skills to become tomorrow’s innovators, educators, and leaders who will drive positive change.
- Long-Term Impact: The benefits of supporting youth programs extend beyond the individual. Youth who have mentors are more likely to contribute positively to society, creating a ripple effect that benefits everyone.

The Vision for Trekkers’ Future
Our vision for the future includes more than just an updated physical space; our campaign will enhance all aspects of Trekkers and promote a hub of activity, learning, and community engagement. It will provide:
- A Thriving Campus: A place where students and their families have a safe, welcoming home that is dedicated to programming, training, events, and accessible space for the community to gather.
- Mobile Classroom Infrastructure: Outfitting our mobile classroom buses, adding a third, and sheltering them in a barn, will expand and extend our capacity to run more prepared, intentional programs. Along with programming space and a rock-climbing wall, the bus barn will feature two bus bays and an outdoor pavilion for easier bus packing and maintenance.
- Expanding Impact through Trekkers Training Institute: Training and coaching youth development practitioners around the state can expand student outcome success.
Following initial investment, TTI will be sustained through a hybrid of philanthropy and earned revenue generated from trainings, coaching, workshops, and speaking engagements.
- Board Designated Fund: Establishing an Innovation Fund will provide Trekkers with the flexibility and resiliency to adapt and respond to evolving community needs. This fund helps to ensure Trekkers will be around for the next 30 years.

Join Us in Making a Difference
As we approach the final stretch of our capital campaign, we invite everyone to join us in this transformative journey. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal and helps create a lasting legacy for future generations. Visit www.trekkers.org/theroadahead to learn more and donate today.

An Extraordinary Opportunity to Double Your Impact Through 2024
The Mosi Foundation, at the direction of Gerry and Evelyn Isom, have created a transformational $600,000 matching gift challenge to The Road Ahead. All new and increased gifts of up to $25,000 per year, per individual, will be 1-1 matched by the MOSI Foundation for pledges made through December 15, 2024.

From Our Interim Executive Director

“Raising over 90% of our capital campaign goal is a testament to the incredible generosity and belief in our mission. Together, we are building more than just a campus; we are creating a space where young people can develop the skills to thrive and contribute to our vibrant community.” – Kate Elmes, Interim Executive Director

About Trekkers: For 30 years, the nonprofit organization Trekkers has been dedicated to helping young people thrive. Through its unique 6-year mentoring and expeditionary learning model, research shows Trekkers helps students increase skills in resiliency, ability to build positive relationships, and develop aspirations for the future. To learn more, visit the website at trekkers.org.