Last Thursday, the 1st Annual \"I Belong\" Youth Summit took place at Central Maine Community College, drawing students from across the state for a day of hands-on career exploration. The event was deemed a significant success, providing opportunities for youth to engage in activities across approximately two dozen career paths.

Participants had the chance to explore various fields, including retail, agriculture, technology, and food service. Notable activities included small engine repair, potato planting, and culinary experiences led by the Green Ladle from LRTC. Students also engaged with representatives from a solar panel company, a nail salon, and a massage therapy business, allowing them to gain practical insights into these professions.

In addition to skill-building activities, the summit featured \"Let's Talk\" tables, where students participated in discussions about employment issues, self-advocacy, and workplace challenges such as bullying. A raffle added excitement to the event, offering students the chance to win job site visits, classroom experiences, and career mentorship opportunities.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing newfound enthusiasm for potential career paths they had not previously considered. The event not only fostered a sense of community among participants but also empowered them to envision their futures in various professional fields.