Real Work, Real Skills, and Community Impact.
Work on real projects:
Walk away with real work you can use for resumes, applications, and future opportunities.
Get support and tools to keep building:
Build skills and projects beyond the program.
Get exposure to real opportunities in:
Meet professionals and see what your next steps could look like.
We are now accepting applications for the Youth Promise Environmental Impact Program.
Space is limited, and participants will be selected through an application review process.
Click below to apply and take the first step toward joining this year’s program.
Eligible participants may have the opportunity to earn minimum wage (currently $16.94/hour) the EastConn Youth Employment Program while participating in the Environmental Impact Program.
This is a separate application and is not required, but can provide additional paid work experience during the summer session.
Eligibility, placement, and wages are determined by EastConn
GENERAL THINGS TO KNOW
This program is for youth ages 14–24 in Eastern Connecticut, including high school and college-aged participants. It’s a strong fit for those interested in leadership, the environment, community work, or creative problem-solving.
No prior experience is required.
The Summer 2026 program runs:
Program days are 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM.
No prior experience is required.
This program is designed for curious, motivated youth who want to try something new, make a difference, and learn along the way.
Participants can earn up to $500 in stipend-based purchases that support their growth, such as outdoor gear, school supplies, or tools related to their interests and future goals.
For 2026:
All purchases are made on behalf of participants and must be approved by a parent/guardian and align with Youth Promise guidelines. Full details are provided during the program.
Idea Forge Studios is a creative space in downtown Willimantic equipped with tools like 3D printers, podcasting equipment, laser cutters, media creation, and design software.
Program participants receive a 6-month membership, giving them access to the space to build and create their own projects.
Participants are expected to attend all scheduled program days during the summer session. If you have a scheduling conflict, please reach out but we do understand things come up and will work with you when possible.
Full participation is required to qualify for stipend-related benefits.
The program is based in Idea Forge Studios at Project Imo in downtown Willimantic, with additional activities taking place at nearby outdoor and partner locations.
Yes! The program is fully funded and free for all accepted participants. Lunch is provided each day.
Space is limited. A small group of participants is selected each year through the application and interview process.
Selected applicants will be contacted directly with next steps after the application and interview process is complete.
Participants will engage in hands-on environmental work, learn about urban conservation topics, and help create media that shares what they learn with the community.
If you have any question reach out to TeamImo@projectimo.org
As a condition to my participation in the Project Imo Program, I agree that Project Imo, Inc., their agents, trustees, officers, volunteers, participants, employees, and all other persons or entities acting in any capacity on their behalf shall not be liable for any injury, mental distress, damage, loss, expense, delay, or inconvenience suffered by me and arising out of my participation in the Project Imo program, except to the extent such injury, mental distress, damage, loss, expense, delay or inconvenience is caused solely by the willful misconduct of Project Imo. Furthermore, I hereby agree to release and discharge PI, on behalf of myself, my children, my parents, my heirs, assigns, personal representative, and estate as follows:
The risks of the programs include, but are not limited to: slips and falls while walking in rugged, hazardous terrain; severe weather and environmental conditions; hypothermia; accidental drowning; sprains, strains, joint dislocations, and broken bones; falling from high places; the negligence of other participants; and exposure to potentially harmful wildlife, insects, and plant life.
All activities are supervised throughout the program. Instruction will be provided regarding the safe use of all equipment and activities. Participants are advised to point out hazardous situations to the facilitators.
“I hereby take full responsibility for these risks and understand that other risks may also exist. I take full responsibility for those risks.”
I AM ALSO AWARE THAT MANY RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES CAN BE HAZARDOUS. I AM VOLUNTARILY PARTICIPATING IN SUCH ACTIVITIES, WITH KNOWLEDGE OF THE DANGERS INVOLVED. I AGREE TO ACCEPT ALL RISKS OF INJURY OR LOSS OF ANY KIND ASSOCIATED WITH OR RESULTING FROM SUCH ACTIVITY.
I, for myself, legal representatives, heirs and assigns, hereby release, waive and discharge Project Imo, its officers, employees, directors, shareholders and its parent and affiliated companies (“Releasees”), from all liability to me, legal representatives, heirs and assigns, for any and all loss or damage, and any claims or damages resulting therefrom, on account of injury to my person or property, even injury resulting in my death, while I am participating in said activity and/or being transported to or from said event, unless such loss is caused solely by the willful misconduct of a Releasee.
Medical Disclosure: I neither know of nor have any reason to believe that I have any medical condition and certify that I am not taking any prescription or non-prescription drugs that could either result in injury to me or others if I participate in any activity during the Project Imo program, become excited, agitated or anxious, assist in rescue situations, provide emergency care, receive emergency care or other first aid (i.e., due to an infectious disease, diabetes or other condition) or otherwise adversely affect my ability to participate in this event.
I acknowledge that if anyone is hurt or property is damaged during my participation in this activity, I may be found by a court of law to have waived my right to maintain a lawsuit against Project Imo on the basis of any claim from which I have released them herein.
I hereby grant to Project Imo all rights necessary to enable Project Imo to use, reproduce, assign, and/or distribute, in all forms and in any media, my image and/or photograph or video, and any such other items related to my use of the Project Imo programs and events for promotion and/or education purposes. I have had sufficient opportunity to read this entire document. I have read and understood it, and I agree to be bound by its terms.
In consideration of (Print minor’s name) (“Minor”) being permitted by Project Imo to participate in its activities and to use its equipment and facilities, I further agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Project Imo from any and all claims which are brought by, or on behalf of Minor, and which are in any way connected with such use or participation by Minor.
Thank you for choosing Project Imo programs! We’re excited to take a journey with you. There are a few things that you need to prepare for in advance of your day with us.
CLOTHING
SUPPLIES
TO BE TURNED IN TO YOUR PROJECT IMO TEAM CONTACT PERSON THE WEEK PRIOR TO YOUR PROGRAM:
REQUIRED ON THE DAY OF THE PROGRAM:
PARTICIPATION
TRAIL READINESS & ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY
TRAIL FIRST AID
Trail Specific Information
TRAIL ETTIQUITTE
INSECT-BORNE ILLNESS
Mosquitos and ticks are vector species for infectious bloodborne diseases. Both can transmit potentially serious viruses through bites. There are two main ways to reduce the risk of infectious bites. Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas. . Many species of mosquitos live in forests, marshes, and tall grasses. All species of mosquitos like water.
I acknowledge that I have read these guidelines, and agree to abide by them while participating at in Project Imo programming:
Media Release: Project Imo, Inc. periodically uses electronic and traditional media for publicity, educational, or advertising purposes. By indicating my stance and providing my signature on this form, I acknowledge receipt of this document and deny or give permission to Project Imo, Inc. and its agents to use such reproductions of my person in any and all forms of media for educational, publicity, or advertising purposes in perpetuity without further consideration from me.
I hereby waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photographs or printed or electronic matter that may be used in conjunction with them now or in the future, whether that use is known to me or unknown, and I waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising from or related to the use of the photograph.
I understand that I will need to notify Project Imo, Inc. if any changes to my situation occur that will impact this media release permission.
As part of the registration process for participation in our expedition program, participants are required to complete a health and medical screening form. This form collects basic demographic information and asks about any health problems, limiting physical disabilities or handicaps, allergies, reactions to medication, medical limitations, current medications and reasons, and medical insurance information. Participants acknowledge that this form is a mandatory part of the registration process and must be completed and submitted prior to the commencement of the expedition. The form will be made available for download upon completion of the registration process and will also be included in the confirmation email sent to participants.