Healthy Minds Initiative

The Healthy Minds Initiative is a summer program, whose goal is to tackle two key issues: summer food insecurity for students, and STEM education enrichment. Cornerstones of Science and Maine Campus Compact have partnered with libraries around Maine (Lewiston Public Library, Bangor Public Library, and McArthur Public Library) who are participating in summer feeding programs to assist with summer food service, and provide STEM enrichment activities.

The three pilot programs will take place this summer at the Lewiston Public Library, Bangor Public Library, and McArthur Public Library in Biddeford. The program is supported by Maine Campus Compact’s AmeriCorps VISTA.  The Bangor and McArthur libraries are already existing state designated summer meal sites.  Lewiston Public Library becomes a new summer meal site, starting this summer through a partnership with the Lewiston Summer Food Program. 

About Cornerstones of Science

Cornerstones of Science acts as a catalyst, linking public libraries with scientists to bring science alive in communities. Its programs and resources help people gain direct experiences of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Website: https://www.cornerstonesofscience.org/

About Maine Campus Compact 

Maine Campus Compact is a coalition of 18 member campuses whose purpose is to catalyze and lead a movement to reinvigorate the public purposes and civic mission of higher education. We seek to transform our campuses in ways that develop better informed, active citizen problem-solvers, stronger communities, and a more just democratic society. We believe that our campuses must be vital agents and architects of a flourishing democracy.

 Website: http://mainecompact.org/