Kevin On The Roof 2017

Foden Road 5K

STRIVE U welcomes the class of 2019! The new students had a busy couple of weeks the first two weeks that they arrived as they learned all about STRIVE U during orientation. During the two week orientation, the first year students were introduced to residential life on campus, toured many areas of the community, and took several fun community trips to become acquainted with all that Portland has to offer. Some of the community activities included riding the ferry to Peaks Island, touring Casco Bay on a harbor cruise and learning about the history of Portland on a trolley tour. The students also enjoyed watching a Sea Dogs baseball game on the Fourth of July which concluded with a fireworks show!

 

The second year students are settling into their new role as well. They have been very welcoming to the incoming students and have been "showing them the ropes" of STRIVE U. They have also accompanied the first year students on some of their community and team building activities as a way to foster friendships between the two classes.

 

STRIVE U would also like to welcome our new Education and Training Coordinator - Shelby Cogan! Shelby has been with PSL/STRIVE as a staff member since 2013 and has been involved in many of the STRIVE programs including; Camp STRIVE, After School, STRIVE Night, Next STEP, and most recently as a Teaching Assistant with STRIVE U. She is a graduate of St. Lawrence University and her teaching experience includes The New England Center for Children and St. Lawrence NYSARC Transitions Program. Shelby brings a positive attitude and excellent work ethic to the program and the students all enjoy working with her very much.

 

STRIVE U is a comprehensive two-year residential, post-secondary educational opportunity. To learn more about the program, schedule a tour or get an application, please contact Bill Hughes, STRIVE U Admissions Coordinator at [email protected] or call (207) 774-6278.

During the month of August, the Next STEPPERS have been continuing to nurture the community garden that we share with Kaplan University, which is looking great! In our garden this year we are growing cucumbers, strawberries, tomatoes, and so much more. Our garden is growing and the Next STEPPERS can hardly wait to get some nice fresh fruits and vegetables out of it!

Also this month, Next STEP is taking advantage of the nice summer weather by going on several hikes each week. Next STEP began with their first hike up Bradbury Mountain where they got to enjoy a picnic lunch after a long hike.  For their second hike the Next STEPPERS took an afternoon hike at Fore River Sanctuary in Portland.  This is a wonderful way to explore the many beautiful spots in this area as well as continue to work on our wellness and exercise goals.

Next STEP also gained some new Next STEPPERS! Next STEP would like to Welcome Lucas, Nick, and Joyce. We are happy to have you!!

Next STEP is a great option offering quality curriculum for those who are on a waiting list for other services, in combination with other services or for those who may not qualify for other services. Please contact Betsy Morrison at [email protected] or 207-774-6278 if you would like more information regarding Next STEP or would like to schedule a tour. Part-time and full-time options are available. 

TOPS

The TOPS Extended School Year session began in July, welcoming 13 students into a new classroom.  The students were able to spread out in the new room that is twice the size of the previous classroom, which has allowed for more group work and less congestion.

TOPS is halfway through the ESY session and the students officially have their classroom job assignments to which they applied and interviewed.  They have explored different areas of southern Maine and have even taken the METRO a few times.  The group has a strong social dynamic and some friendships have already begun. 

STRIVE TOPS serves students from school districts who are in their 13th or 14th year of school.  If you have questions or would like more information about TOPS, please contact Betsy Morrison at 207-774-6278 or  [email protected].

Camp STRIVE   

We've been having an amazing summer in Camp! We've taken some incredible field trips and made some great friends. We've enjoyed a trip on the Casco Bay ferry, seen the pirates exhibit at the Portland Science Center, jumped at Get Air and more. We are in week six of our ten week summer camp, and we can't believe how fast it's gone by. Our counselors have been incredible at providing a fun and inclusive environment for all of our campers! Could you or someone you know use a fun summer camp? It's not too late to sign up for our remaining weeks! Contact Olivia for more information at [email protected].

Camp STRIVE provides tween, teens and young adults, ages 11-24, with a supportive, safe, and active program during school vacations and throughout the summer. During each camp session, campers participate in activities including cooking, community trips, arts and crafts, games and physical fitness and of course social time! Campers are supported at all times by professional staff who have completed PSL's full training and are certified Direct Support Professionals.  

Aktion Club 

STRIVE U Open House

STRIVE U is having our annual open house Sunday, October 1st on our campus in Portland. Keep us on your calendars as you make your fall plans, and share with anyone you know who may be interested in finding out more about our program.