Trekkers, a nonprofit youth mentoring organization serving Midcoast Maine, has designed a new sliding scale fee structure for families participating in its programs.

"This change reflects Trekkers’ commitment to equity, accessibility, and community care," said Trekkers.

In response to growing economic pressures and limited time and resources among families, Trekkers is replacing student-led fundraising events—including the Community Auction, Local Treats, and the annual 5K—with a flexible fee model that allows families to contribute what they can.

"While these events have been meaningful traditions, they’ve become increasingly difficult for families to support," said Trekkers.

“It relieves a lot of stress to simply say ‘this is what we can pay,’ and not worry again,” said one Trekkers parent. “As a lower-income family, it’s comforting to know my kids can participate even though I can’t contribute much monetarily.”

The total cost for Trekkers to run programs comes to approximately $6,500 per year, per student. In the new sliding scale, standard student dues are $875 per year, intentionally priced low so that it is more accessible for families, according to Trekkers. Families can also select a level of support that best fits their financial circumstances.

The new sliding scale also includes a “Pay It Forward” option—set at $1,200 per year—which enables families with financial means to help cover the cost for another student.

"This model ensures that no student is turned away due to cost, while inviting the community to share in the responsibility of making Trekkers accessible to all," said Trekkers.

Now that the enrollment period has ended, with requests in, Trekkers must now raise $20,000. They're asking the community to help by donating, becoming a business sponsor, or spreading the word to others who believe in equitable access to youth mentoring.

“Many Trekkers families have told us they are stretched financially, even as they are working more than ever, and requests for dues payment support is now triple what's it's been in the past," said Executive Director Stephanie Welch. "We're meeting families where they are, and we’re asking our community to step up.” 

To learn more or contribute, visit http://trekkers.org/donate.