LearningWorks

At LearningWorks, we are in the business of inspiring wonder in our students and these are the kinds of expressions we love to see! With one day remaining in our fiscal year, please consider making a donation to support our fun, educational and FREE programs for young learners.

https://www.learningworks.me/donate/

LearningWorks is delighted to welcome to our Board of Directors Andy Osheroff, PhD, MBA. Andy is the Director of the Career & Employment Hub at the University of Southern Maine, where he leads programs focused on student career readiness, equity-focused internships, and community partnerships.

With over a decade of experience in higher education and nonprofit administration, Andy has built his career around connecting people to meaningful opportunities. Andy holds a PhD in Leadership and Organizational Development from USM, an MBA from Brandeis University’s Heller School, and a BA in Political Science from Wheaton College (MA). He is passionate about the role of education in strengthening communities and expanding what is possible for individuals at every stage of life.

When asked why he chooses to serve on our Board, Andy said: “Education is one of the most powerful forces for possibility in a person’s life, and LearningWorks understands that it does not look the same for everyone. I joined the board because I believe every learner deserves a pathway that fits their life. My work at the University of Southern Maine has shown me what becomes possible when institutions meet people where they are and invest in their potential. LearningWorks is doing that work every day in our community, and I want to help make sure more people have access to it.”

Welcome to the board, Andy!

LearningWorks is thrilled to welcome several talented new members to our Board of Directors, each of whom we'll be highlighting over the next few weeks. First up is Leah Wallof:

Leah has spent her career helping people and animals, with nearly a decade of experience in the animal health industry. Today she serves as a Strategic Account Manager at Pawlicy Advisor, partnering with veterinary groups to advance pet insurance education within their clinics. She is also pursuing a graduate degree in analytics at the Roux Institute at Northeastern University. Beyond her work, Leah is a dedicated volunteer, with past board service at the Junior League of Portland and a current seat on the Fort McKinley Museum board. She grew up in southern Maine and now lives on Great Diamond Island with her partner, Peter.

Asked about why she chooses to serve, Leah said: "Every young person deserves the chance to find their footing, and LearningWorks creates it through programs built around real needs rather than a single mold. Having grown up in southern Maine, I hope to invest in the community that gave me so much. I serve because I believe in meeting students where they are and believe in the LearningWorks mission!"

Welcome, Leah! We are fortunate to have you.

We are very happy to announce that LearningWorks was recently awarded two grants from the Maine Department of Education as part of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program. This funding will enable us to continue to provide engaging, fun, and educational no-cost after school programming to elementary school students in Biddeford and S**o.

LearningWorks has enjoyed a longstanding partnership with Maine DOE to deliver these services. We are grateful for their support and look forward to future successful collaboration!

https://www.learningworks.me/donate/

That’s a wrap on LearningWorks After School in S**o for this school year! The kids finished the year strong with projects like Oobleck, Ice Cream in a Bag, and tie-dyed shirts. As a special treat, we were also visited by the ice cream truck! 🍦

LearningWorks After School in Portland is finishing up the year strong with lessons in coding, commanding drones, photography, rug making, engineering, and Food as Art. Another fun, inspiring, and educational year of programming in the books! 📚 🔍 📷 🥘

Yesterday was an exciting one at LearningWorks as we celebrated the graduation of our most recent YouthBuild cohort. These young people worked incredibly hard for their achievements and we can’t wait to see where they go from here! 🎓🎉👏🌟

LearningWorks YouthBuild was thrilled to welcome John Valverde, President and CEO at YouthBuild Global, to our Portland office last week. John got a tour of our space including our new interactive mural and our team appreciated the chance to connect with him and hear what's been happening in the larger YouthBuild community.

Visit learningworks.me/news to check out what our three programs have been up to this spring!