News + Events

February 2025

Dear Friends & Supporters,

We hope that your 2025 is off to a great start. For many years, LearningWorks has enjoyed generous federal and state support for our programs. Like countless non-profits across the country, we have carefully followed the twists and turns of the “funding freeze.” As you would expect, this situation has triggered significant alarm as we wrestle with the potential impact on the vital services we provide for children, youth, and families. We will continue to monitor all Executive Orders and the evolving governmental actions that may affect us. I can assure you that we are extremely conscientious stewards of the resources entrusted to us – from government agencies, corporations, foundations, and individual donors. Amidst so much uncertainty, I am deeply grateful for the dedication and tenacity of our seventy employees. Their tireless efforts allow us to:

· engage youth in community service that restores their place in the community and divert them from further involvement in the juvenile justice system
· nurture the academic and social-emotional development of K-5 students and boost their capacity for school success
· enable youth to secure their high school credentials and develop valuable workplace skills for employment and/or continuing education

We appreciate the myriad ways that you support our mission and programs. At this moment, we encourage you to contact our elected officials and advocate for LearningWorks and other vibrant non-profits that enrich our communities. Significant funding changes would threaten the well-being of so many people who benefit from our varied services. The current challenges may have dampened our spirits, but they have not shaken our passionate convictions. Each day, we will continue “equipping Maine learners with the confidence and skills to realize their full potential.”

Peace,

Thomas McLaughlin, Executive Director

LearningWorks After School

All three LWAS Biddeford schools are looking forward to participating in the Maine Read to ME Challenge by welcoming friends and family to read aloud to students. The McArthur Public Library staff visited John F. Kennedy School for “Dino Days” and taught students about dinosaur species. Biddeford Primary School students have recently learned about weather, including clouds, wind, and the water cycle. Biddeford Intermediate School students have been studying animal adaptations and enjoyed hiding camouflaged butterflies in the classroom.

LWAS Portland recently wrapped up a hands-on unit on structural engineering. During our Winter Celebrations of Learning, programs welcomed parents and caregivers to learn from students about how engineers build towers. Students are also learning about color theory and watercolor painting techniques.

LWAS Saco began a new unit on penguins, comparing those that live in the Artic and in the Galapagos. They have also been learning about winter safety. Students are enjoying clubs based on Legos and chemistry.

LWAS Waterboro started the year with some exciting new enrichment clubs. These include a Lego movie club where students utilize video editing software and a mural club where students are working with the district’s art teacher on a community-based mural that will be displayed for years to come (top right photo).

Service Works

YouthBuild

This past month, YouthBuild members made business visits to three different locations in Southern Maine.

Members got to visit the Revision Energy offices and warehouses in South Portland. They toured the space, asked staff questions, and learned what it would be like to work there. Members also visited Southern Maine Community College campus in South Portland. They met with students and staff in the Culinary Arts program, the Automotive Technology program, and the TRIO Student Support Services department. Lastly, members visited People’s Inclusive Welding where they learned about welding employment opportunities and then got to try welding. They were excited to try something new and show off the work they completed.