Aspire Gorham is a local partnership between Gorham public schools, the Gorham High School (GHS) Civil Rights Club, the GHS Interact Club, Jobs For Maine’s Graduates (JMG), and the Maine Educational Loan Marketing Corporation (MELMAC). Its mission is to encourage students of all ages to think about and plan for their future.

“My hope is that it is a first step in gaining a sense of direction and interest in a field,” said Eliza Kenigsberg, the Career Coordinator for Aspire Gorham.

Every Friday, Kenigsberg hosts virtual talks with people of all different professions and gives students the chance to learn about different careers and ask questions. Students are given a list of upcoming Zoom meetings each week that will be held on Fridays. There is always a large variety of career choices to attend, and that variety is what makes the program so great.

“I think it is such a great resource to offer to high school students, and I’m glad to see this program gaining momentum,” said Nate Moody, a retirement advisor for Lebel & Harriman, LLP.

Aspire Gorham reaches almost every student who knows their desired path, while at the same time helping those who are unsure to have a better understanding of future paths. The meetings are set up in an interactive way for the students to ask questions and get answers from the person who is being interviewed.

Kenigsberg always manages to keep the meetings smooth and fun, and is a great encouragement to those who may be nervous to speak up.

As Aspire Gorham grows larger, they plan on making further connections in order to best benefit students and their future choices.