Project Launch

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Project Launch We have significantly increased college retention rates and the number of local students who have graduated with college degrees.

Established in 2012, Project Launch (PL) is an original model that works with students and families to provide the on-going support needed for a successful transition from high school to post-secondary degree completion. Established in 2012, Project Launch (PL) is an original model that works with students and families in Deer Isle, Stonington and the surrounding peninsula communities of Sedgwick, Brooklin, Brooksville and Blue Hill. In partnership with the Deer Isle-Stonington High School (DISHS), we provide the on-going support needed for a successful transition from high school to post-secondary degree completion. Through a combination of hard work and innovative supports, PL has had measurable success! Over 100 students have voluntarily enrolled in our program and of these students, 65% have either already successfully completed their post-secondary degree or are still enrolled in a program of study. In 2017 and 2018, every PL student who entered a post-secondary degree program successfully completed their first year and returned for the second. As shared by Andrea Perry (Program Officer, Broad Reach Fund), “Project Launch is dedicated to making the program the most successful it can be. Each year they evaluate their work and make adjustments. It's clearly working - kids are staying in college and earning degrees. College graduation and retention rates are major concerns in a state like Maine that is desperate for young, qualified workers. Project Launch is a local solution that is working. It's a model program and other schools and institutions that also want to take on this challenge are paying attention to what's been developed here.”

Check out the July Roots and Wings Newsletter!
08/21/2026

Check out the July Roots and Wings Newsletter!

On May 25th, community members gathered at 44 North Coffee’s Stonington Cafe to experience island life through the eyes ...
06/17/2026

On May 25th, community members gathered at 44 North Coffee’s Stonington Cafe to experience island life through the eyes of five talented students from Deer Isle - Stonington High School. Through documentary photography and personal narratives, these students explored the question: “What makes our community special, and what challenges does it face?”

Their work beautifully captured family traditions, cherished local landmarks, and the deep generational connections that make our island home unique — while also honestly reflecting on challenges like pollution, climate change, substance use, and changes in the fishing industry.

Thank you to 44 North Coffee for hosting the art show, and to our wonderful student artists — Iris, Megan, Rosalie, Gabby, and Whitney — for sharing your stories and art!

🎉 Congratulations, Deer Isle-Stonington High School Class of 2026! 🎓Today we celebrate all of you — the hard work, the l...
06/07/2026

🎉 Congratulations, Deer Isle-Stonington High School Class of 2026! 🎓

Today we celebrate all of you — the hard work, the late nights, the friendships forged, the lessons learned (both in and out of the classroom), and the bright young leaders you’re becoming.

May every path you choose be filled with adventure, success, joy, and endless opportunities. Chase your dreams boldly, stay true to the island spirit that raised you, and never forget where you came from.

We’re all so proud of you. The world is ready for the Class of 2026 — go shine on! 😎

A huge thank you to this year’s “We’ve Got Your Back” sponsors: The Island Agency Real Estate, Osprey's Echo Sea Kayaking, Island Employee Cooperative and Fifield Fisheries!

In May, we celebrated with a fun outing to Step Back Disk Golf in Blue Hill and a picnic at the Blue Hill Town Park. The...
06/03/2026

In May, we celebrated with a fun outing to Step Back Disk Golf in Blue Hill and a picnic at the Blue Hill Town Park. The kids had a blast trying out disc golf and building their own sandwiches.

During our closing circle, the biggest takeaway was how much they loved spending time with kids outside their usual friend groups, learning together, and (of course) enjoying all the snacks! 🤭

It was a perfect way to wrap up the Pathfinders school year!

It’s always a special day that brings me the opportunity to connect with a post-secondary PL student! Definitely one of...
05/29/2026

It’s always a special day that brings me the opportunity to connect with a post-secondary PL student! Definitely one of my absolutely favorite parts of my work. 💗 Earlier this week, I caught up with Leighia Gray, DISHS class of 2022. Leighia has just graduated from Husson University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and will soon be stepping into an exciting new position at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital. When reflecting on her years at Husson University, she shared that it had been “academically intense” and that she was grateful for the extensive and rigorous learning, which has been preparation for her next step. When asked what she enjoys most about being a nurse, Leighia shared, “ The most important part of nursing to me is being able to support patients and their families during a time that can be very challenging and when they are at their most vulnerable. As a nurse, I can be a safe and trusted person in that moment and that means so much to me”. Way to go, Leighia! We are so proud of you!

Here is our May Roots and Wings Newsletter! If you'd like to be one of the first to see what's been happening for Projec...
05/26/2026

Here is our May Roots and Wings Newsletter!
If you'd like to be one of the first to see what's been happening for Project Launch please join our mailing list at https://www.projectlaunchdis.com/updates

Not only is it almost time for the Student Art Show, it's also opening day at 44 North Coffee's Stonington Cafe! Swing ...
05/24/2026

Not only is it almost time for the Student Art Show, it's also opening day at 44 North Coffee's Stonington Cafe! Swing by between 3 and 5 pm to sip coffee, admire art, and chat with the artist about their experience!

We hope to see you there!

Just one week until the opening of the Student Art Show! Stop by 44 North Coffee’s Stonington Cafe from 3-5pm on Monday ...
05/19/2026

Just one week until the opening of the Student Art Show!
Stop by 44 North Coffee’s Stonington Cafe from 3-5pm on Monday the 25th to see the meet these student artists, see the art they created and hear about their experiences exploring the community and becoming certified PhotoVoice student researchers!

📸 ☕️ 🖼️

We're counting down the days to our PhotoVoice Student Art Show at 44 North Coffee in Stonington! Pop into 44 North's S...
05/12/2026

We're counting down the days to our PhotoVoice Student Art Show at 44 North Coffee in Stonington! Pop into 44 North's Stonington Cafe on May 25th between 3 and 5pm to see the art, meet the artists and learn about their experience exploring the question "What makes our community special, and what challenges does it face?"

Address

251 North Deer Isle Road
Deer Isle, ME
04627

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12073482303

Website

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