The Need

An Innovative Three-Year Program

Three Years. Three Questions. One Journey to Confidence.

My Values — 10th Grade

What do I believe?

Olympia’s Leaders (OLs) start by defining their own values, strengths, and passions. Then they learn to lean on them — facing challenges, making choices, navigating other people’s expectations. Along the way, they start building a network of support and learning to appreciate difference.

My Voice — 11th Grade

How do I communicate?

Values become language. OLs sharpen how they listen, how they share what matters most, and how they connect with people who see things differently. The goal: real conversations, held with confidence, without losing sight of who they are.

My Vision — 12th Grade

What does my future hold?

Values and voice turn into a plan. OLs share their future with others, network across the Institute’s community, and put their skills into action. They graduate with self-knowledge, confidence, concrete goals, and a network that spans the state and beyond.

How it works?

Monthly meetings in small cohorts, led by trained volunteer mentors called Olympia’s Leaders Advisors (or, OLAs)
Statewide events each year — a Fall Forum and a Year End Celebration — connecting OLs across Maine
Curriculum refined annually, built by Institute staff and content experts, informed by real feedback from OLs and OLAs
Facilitator training and monthly walk-throughs keep every OLA supported and consistent, school to school

Built to Bend, Not Break

Every school is different. Every group has different needs. OLAs are trusted to adapt in the moment — a few extra minutes on what’s really on an OL’s mind, a shortened activity, a rescheduled follow-up — as long as the year’s goals still get met. Standardized outcomes, flexible delivery.