Everyday Leadership: MAP students attend Summer Leadership Intensive at Bowdoin College

Posted August 29, 2018 by Neil Arnold & filed under Blog.

As the air starts getting cooler and the days grow shorter, we know that the dog days of summer are coming to an end—and that means students going back to school. For many students, their summers involved relaxation, catching up with friends, and not thinking about school, but four students in our MAP program gave up three of their summer vacation days to immerse themselves in all things college during our MAP Summer Leadership Intensive at Bowdoin College.

Commercial Currents: Promoting quality tourism

Posted August 6, 2018 by Neil Arnold & filed under Blog.

It’s no secret that Maine’s coast and islands depend largely on two industries: the fishing economy and the tourism economy. With $4 billion in tourism spending along the coast, it’s hard to ignore the potential for businesses and communities. Are dollars being left on the table? Is the spending happening in my community, or in my business? What can we do to better attract the tourists and visitors who contribute the most—not just dollars—to our local economy?

Kelp Collaboration Brings School and Community Together

Posted June 21, 2018 by Neil Arnold & filed under Blog.

During the 2017-18 school year the elementary, middle and high school students on Vinalhaven studied kelp, both in their science classes and an after school K-5 program. In addition to classroom based-lessons, students spent time at and on the water – collecting seaweed at low tide, growing and harvesting kelp, and learning all aspects of kelp aquaculture and related topics on Hurricane Island. Some students even got the unique opportunity to process Vinalhaven-grown kelp.

‘What Kids Need Now’: Evening with Dr. Ross Greene Resonates with Educators and Parents

Posted April 30, 2018 by Neil Arnold & filed under Blog.

Dr. Ross Greene, internationally recognized child psychologist and bestselling author, spoke to a packed house of nearly 300 educators, parents, and adults in early April. The free community event, hosted by the Island Institute and Lives in the Balance, offered guests the opportunity to learn how adults can help kids with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges (and all kids) navigate a highly complicated, pressurized world.

New Maine State Ferry Service Fares Cause Concern on Islesboro

Posted April 21, 2018 by Neil Arnold & filed under Blog.

On April 17th, the Maine State Ferry Service released a new fare schedule for service to the six island communities they serve. The new fare schedule is the first fare increase since 2009 and comes after the state ferry service backed away from a proposal to give Maine residents a discounted rate compared to non-Maine residents. Different communities will feel the impact of the fare changes in different ways, with Islesboro seeing a substantial increase. On Thursday April 19th, Islesboro residents organized a gathering to highlight the concerns the community has with the new fares.

Island Families Gather to Celebrate the MAP to College

Posted April 18, 2018 by Neil Arnold & filed under Blog.

Island students and their families recently spent a Saturday together as part of the annual Induction and Send-off for our Mentoring, Access and Persistence program (MAP) participants. MAP is a college scholarship program for island students that emphasizes personalized wraparound services for both the student and their family, beginning at the end of a student’s junior year of high school.

Commercial Currents: Building Digital Literacy Skills

Posted March 30, 2018 by Neil Arnold & filed under Blog.

Digital literacy means having knowledge and competence with digital tools. By improving internet proficiency, businesses benefit from growth, workforce development, health access, community and civic engagement, student education, and all-around quality of life. Improved digital literacy also drives support for better-connected communities. It’s our plan to expand offerings in the coming year, and we would love to hear from you about what would be helpful to keep your business going in this increasingly competitive world.

Commercial Currents: Investing in Professional Development

Posted March 15, 2018 by Neil Arnold & filed under Blog.

Winter is often a slower time for business along Maine’s coast, allowing all of us a bit of space to think about upcoming opportunities and challenges facing our businesses. Maybe there is a certification that you have been meaning to pursue for years that would allow you to expand your business. Or maybe you are interested in working with a consultant to be more effective in advertising your products. The Island Institute is offering our Microgrants for Entrepreneurship and Community Impact (MECI) to island and coastal businesses who want to improve the way their business is run. Learn more about applying for a MECI grant, and reach out to us to discuss your idea!

Middle Schoolers Come Together to Prepare for High School Off-Island

Posted February 16, 2018 by Neil Arnold & filed under Blog.

Transitioning into the first year of high school can be intimidating and stressful. At the annual Middle School Retreat, hosted by the Maine Seacoast Mission’s Island Outreach program with support from the Island Institute, the goal of the event is to prepare outer island middle schoolers for the transition to mainland high schools and create an open, safe place to discuss and ask questions.

Application Window Opens for 2018 Aquaculture Business Development Program

Posted February 8, 2018 by Neil Arnold & filed under Blog.

Have you ever thought about gaining a new source of income through growing mussels, oysters or seaweed? Now is a great time to launch your small-scale aquaculture business. Through our Aquaculture Business Development (ABD) program, the Island Institute is working to help fishermen and people from fishing communities diversify into shellfish or seaweed aquaculture. Learn how you can join our third ABD cohort and apply today!