Climate Change in Coastal Maine

Fall 2024

Why Ingenuity Year?

Climate change is the biggest environmental challenge of our time. It is already affecting our climate, agriculture, native ecosystems, infrastructure, health, and security. Understanding and addressing these issues is essential for our future.

In this gap year program, students explore the global phenomenon of climate change through direct experiences with local communities and industries in Maine, while also developing essential skills to increase independence and maturity.

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Fall 2023 Adventure Blog

This fall, our Gappers decided to create a weekly blog with the direction of their Program Leaders. Take a minute to read through our Fall 2023 cohort on their past adventures, as they learned about Climate Change and the world around them through experiential learning, personal growth, reflection, & Executive Functioning opportunities.

Program Components

Conduct Climate Research

You will conduct climate change research that contributes to ongoing projects of our partner organizations - the Downeast Institute and the Maine Heritage Trust. You’ll learn how to collect data in a field environment and conduct real tests. You’ll collect data while kayaking on islands, working on farms, and laying lobster pots.

Capstone Project

Your leaders will help you identify a project that sparks your joy and connects with the theme of “Climate Change in Coastal Maine.” The sky's the limit for this project - it could be interpretive dance, a blog, a research paper, a video essay, or anything else that really engages you. You will work on this project throughout the semester, developing skills such as project management, organization, follow-through, and determination.

Independence and Self-Reflection

Many of the gap year program components (such as the capstone project, student-led expedition, and coaching) are designed to develop skills leading towards independence. You’ll also engage in reflective practices throughout the program, such as meditation and mindfulness, to help better understand who you are as a learner and as a human.

Assistive Technologies

Everyone learns differently. Thankfully, technology in the 21st century can cater to almost any style of learning. You will be introduced to a variety of Assistive Technologies (such as Don Johnston, Gleen, and Pomodoro) at the beginning of the program and will find what works best for you. You will learn through seeing, hearing, experiencing, doing, and reflecting.

Executive Functioning Coaching

Coaches exist to help YOU. It’s all about you. After an initial consultation, you’ll develop a plan for what you would like to work on over the course of the program. Your coach will introduce a variety of tactics and techniques to play with, and you’ll see what works best. Each approach is individual, as everyone has their own strengths.

Self-Directed Reintegration Planning

As part of the program, there is a team-based approach in planning how a student reintegrates post-gap year. With a prescribed and structured timeline, each student will be in charge of - who is part of their planning team, developing goals and objectives, prioritizing time and self-reflective opportunities. Your team will hold you accountable and will be with you for support along the way.

“I would highly recommend this program as it was started by the Forman School which specializes in teaching students with learning differences like EFD while coordinating with a 20-year experienced veteran director of gap programs. It's a hands-on and experiential style of educational learning that develops confidence and leadership in your child. Having said all of that, my child misses her friendships from Ingenuity Year the most.”
- Ingenuity Year Parent
“My daughter participated in Ingenuity Year, and the experience was life-changing for her. She needed a break from school but also needed a structured way to spend her time. This program was perfect! The program leaders were engaging, approachable, knowledgeable, and fun. The participants were all great. The program is very inclusive of diverse identities. The capstone projects showcased students’ talents and passions. I loved talking with her (we phoned weekly) as I hadn’t heard her as happy and confident in years.”
- Ingenuity Year Parent
“The program was great for our son. He seemed to enjoy himself, and the program stretched him to do things he would not normally have done.”
-Ingenuity Year Parent