fellowship Program
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the first cohort of our Maine Boys to Men Fellowship!
This fellowship will develop a community of belonging for young men who are committed to disrupting the patterns of narrow masculinity in themselves and others, and the disconnection, self-harm, and violence it can create.
In this current moment, it is not enough just to teach boys how to intervene in situations, what consent looks like, or how to challenge harmful and limiting gender stereotypes. We have to get to the roots of the problem and help to rewrite the stories of masculinity, expanding what feels permissible and possible for our boys. The antidote to male loneliness and disconnection is meaningful community: spaces that support authentic relationships, foster curiosity, invite critical thinking, practice vulnerability, activate empathy towards themselves and others, and recognize our interdependence. That’s what we hope to do with this Fellowship.
Through day-long programs and meet-ups, weekend retreats, and monthly zoom calls, 12-16 high school-aged boys will spend a year together exploring connection, masculinity, identity, and power through dialogue, novel experiences, and mentorship. Fellows will practice being in community with one another, foster positive social-emotional growth and interpersonal skills, expand their understanding of masculinity, and connect to their purpose to learn how to leverage their skills and power for good. The Fellows will develop and initiate projects to step into authentic, confident, empathetic leadership and address related issues in their schools or communities, thereby increasing the impact of their time in the fellowship.
We are grateful to be developing this Fellowship in partnership with Samara Strategies.
Who is eligible to apply?
- High school-aged boys – our preference is for current sophomores and juniors, though seniors and freshman are welcome to apply
- Students living in Cumberland, Androscoggin, and Sagadahoc counties – particularly students at Mt. Ararat, Brunswick, Greely, Portland Public Schools, South Portland, Scarborough, and Lewiston high school
Who should apply?
We want to develop a cohort of Fellows who represent diverse and broad experiences of masculinity and who want to explore their identities and the role they can play in making their communities safer and stronger.
We welcome high school-aged boys of different racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds who:
- Already see themselves as leaders and want to level up (in their skills and analysis).
- Feel clear about their potential and want to do a deep dive into masculinity and what it means to be a man in today’s world.
- Are ready to build their confidence and self-esteem to step into their power.
- Are wanting to be a part of something bigger.
- Are curious for new challenges and excited to encounter different people, ideas, and experiences.
- Are fed up with the gender and power dynamics and want to be a part of the solution.