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Programs

Youth Promise Career Pathways

Youth Promise Career Pathways

Empower Youth to Build Capacity, Foster Self-Confidence, and Connect with Career Opportunities

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Level Up

Your Potential

Career Development

Focus on youth developing their brightest future through individualized 21st Century Workforce skill development, personal exploration, group adventure programs.

Leadership Skills

Next-level skills for building leaders including communities of shared-interests, financial literacy training, and recreational programs.

Community Service

Individual and group service projects culminating in a large group initiative followed by an expeditionary retreat that offers a peak experience for Youth Promise participants.

Youth Promise Career Pathways Program

"not just a program, it's a commitment"

 The program is about equipping our youth with the skills needed for a promising future and fulfilling the promises we, at Project Imo, make to nurture their growth and development.

Through empowering activities and leadership opportunities, we embed community connections in all our programming, encouraging our youth to lead and give back. Our unique approach emphasizes career development and community enhancement, fostering an environment where every individual can discover their power and purpose.

Submitting this form is a preliminary inquiry and does not confirm a booking. We will assess program feasibility based on your request. Final availability, scheduling, and suitability will be confirmed by our team. Thank you for your interest; we will contact you to discuss further.

Our programs are customized to your group's unique needs. A precise quote will be provided after gathering your specific requirements. Thank you for your understanding and trust in our commitment to delivering a tailored program.

2024 SUMMER LEADERSHIP Program

The Leadership Experience for Teens

FREE Summer program - WAITLIST

Our Youth Promise Summer Leadership program is a FREE program experience for
young people ages 14-18 – We have had tremendous interest and currently any future registrants will be added to a waitlist.

Session 1 - CLOSED

June 24th - July 16th

Session 2 - WAITLIST

July 22nd - August 13th

Mondays and Tuesdays: 10:30am - 4:00pm

  • Make Friends
  • Gain Important Life Skills
  • Access to Special Events and Leadership Training
  • Build your Resume and College Applications
  • Career and Education-Oriented Stipends for Participation up to $250
  • Lunch and Snacks Provided Each Day
Youth promise afterschool feature image youth promise career pathways initiative
Session 2 - New Registrants will be put on Waitlist

The waitlist will be first come first serve. We will reach out directly upon any openings in a session to be filled. We will do our best to clearly communicate in a timely fashion.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
PARTICIPANT INFORMATION
PARENT / GUARDIAN INFORMATION
EMERGENCY CONTACT - Fill Out If Different than Above
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

You must be 18 or older to complete this form. If you are not, please have your parent or guardian complete it and fill out the relationship to participant field box

Please note that completing this registration form does not guarantee a spot in our 2024 Summer Leadership Program. Due to limited availability, placements will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. After submitting your registration, you will receive an email confirmation. A staff member will then be in touch to discuss your enrollment status further.

Career Pathways

We challenge youth to explore career potential in: 

Advanced manufacturing, technology, & trades

Healthcare and healthy living

Advanced agriculture and food systems

Outdoor education, recreation, and “green” jobs 

Arts & Communication 

Public service 

Core Skills

We often hear about “social-emotional learning” or “21st Century workforce skills”. At Project Imo we view these as new terms for deeply rooted human skills that people have used for countless millennia to survive and thrive.

Our programs focus on core skills that help a person successfully integrate their own vision into that of their community in respectful, committed, and socially responsible ways.

These skills are the foundation of not just a successful career, but also living in a successful community. These skills include self and social awareness, communication and storytelling, planning and reflection, work ethic and taking initiative, persistence and grit, hopefulness and vision-sharing, and so many more.

A General Outline of a Youth Promise Experience

We can shape each experience to the specific group for the Youth Promise Initiative

October

Who am I?
Who are we?

OCTOBER

“Who am I?”- Exploring our skills, talents, personal visions for a bright future.

Leadership Communities “Who are we?”- Exploring fun ways to connect, building a group, learning about leadership, organizations, finance, and recreation.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER

How do I see myself in the world?

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER

“How do I see myself in the world?”- Continuing to explore personal goals and selecting a Career Pathway, personal service goals, and Learning Communities “LCs”.

WINTER BREAK

Adventurous Experiences

WINTER BREAK

Adventurous experiences- Outdoor program, beginning to think about service, First Aid /CPR certification, & LCs

JANUARY / FEBRUARY

Focus on career exploration

JANUARY / FEBRUARY

Focus on career exploration through AI & virtual reality, practical skill development, and interactive programs and LCs.

MARCH

Continued pathway exploration

MARCH

Continued pathway exploration and adventurous programs, planning for an April service program, & LCs.

APRIL

Adventurous service program

APRIL

Adventurous service program, begin searching for potential summer jobs, and LCs. Outdoor skills training with Imo to prepare for summer retreat.

MAY

Summer intensives

MAY

Summer intensives program group planning begins, Leadership Communities begin reflections, practice interviews, and strategic summer job planning.

JUNE

Planning for summer

JUNE

Planning for summer Service Corps project, job applications, adventurous teambuilding days.

JULY / AUGUST

Summer Intensive

JULY / AUGUST

Summer intensive (2 days/ week) of service corps, LCs, and large career pathway field experiences and trips. Culminating in August leadership retreat and expedition.

Data Assessment Example

The content below serves as a representative example of a potential program assessment

This is not a test. There are no right or wrong answers, only opinions

Please rate your perception of personal growth across the program in the following areas, using a scale from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree


The next series of questions are about what you anticipate gaining from your participation in this program

Get More Info

Eager to discover more about Project Imo’s Youth Promise Career Pathways Initiative?
Fill out your name and email below and we will get in touch!

MAKING CONNECTIONS STARTS WITH ONE CONVERSATION

REGISTRATION FORM SUBMITTED

You Will Hear from Us Soon!

We appreciate your interest in an experience with Project Imo! Keep a look out for an email in your inbox.

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FORM SUBMITTED

You Will Hear from Us Soon!

We appreciate your interest! 
 Keep a look out for an email in your inbox. 
(make sure to check your spam too just in case)

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Thank you

For Completing the MLK PArticipant Feedback Form

We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us!

Have a wonderful rest of your school year, and remember, your voice matters!

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Terms and Conditions

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: 

  1. I acknowledge that the Project Imo programs entail various optional outdoor adventure based recreational activities such as, but not limited to: canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, backpacking, caving, ropes courses, mountain biking, hiking, and snow skiing/boarding. These activities entail known and unanticipated risks which could result in physical or emotional injury, paralysis, death, or damage to myself, to property, or to third parties. I understand that such risk simply cannot be eliminated without jeopardizing the essential qualities of the activity. If I do decide to participate in such optional activities, such decision is mine alone and I assume all risks associated with such optional activity, and Project Imo shall not have any liability for any injury, death, loss, damage, expense, delay or inconvenience suffered by me arising out of such participation, except to the extent such injury, damage, loss, expense, delay or inconvenience is caused solely by willful misconduct of Project Imo.

     

    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.” 

 

  1. “I understand that my negligence may result in injury to another person or equipment. I take full responsibility and hold harmless Project Imo from any claims, demands, or causes of action which are associated with my negligence.”

 

  1. “I expressly agree and promise to accept and assume all of the risks existing in this activity. My participation in this activity is purely voluntary, and I elect to participate in spite of the risks.”

 

  1. “I hereby voluntarily release, forever discharge, and agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Project Imo from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action, which are in any way connected with my participation in this activity or my use of PI’s equipment or facilities.”

 

  1. Should Project Imo or anyone acting on their behalf be required to incur attorney’s fees and cost to enforce this agreement, I agree to indemnify and hold them harmless for all such fees and costs.

 

  1. I have read and fully understand the trip description and registration form, medical contact form, and any other materials provided by Project Imo regarding the trip. I have had the opportunity to ask any questions that I may have about the trip and related activities and the responsibilities and risk involved. All of my questions have been fully answered.

 

  1. I certify that I have adequate insurance to cover any injury or damage I may cause or suffer while participating, or else I agree to bear the cost of such injury or damage myself. I further certify that I have no medical or physical conditions, which could interfere with my safety in this activity, or else I am willing to assume, and bear the cost of, all risks that may be created, directly or indirectly, by such condition.

 

  1. In the event that I file a lawsuit against Project Imo, I agree to do so solely in the State of Connecticut, and I further agree that the substantive law of that state shall apply in that action without regard to the conflict of law rules of that state


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

  • We will be outside. This means you need to dress appropriately. We will proceed in variable weather conditions so please check the forecast the day(s) of the program. Rain cover is required if there is any chance of inclement weather.
  • Dress in layers that will prepare you for different kinds of weather specific to our region depending on the time of year
  • Sturdy, close-toed shoes-trail sneakers or boots; with socks are REQUIRED
  • Long pants are strongly suggested to protect from tick-borne illness.
  • Long-sleeved t-shirt or shirt are strongly suggested
  • Winter hat or something similar if appropriate for time of year
  • Winter gloves or something similar to keep your hands warm if appropriate for time of year


SUPPLIES

TO BE TURNED IN TO YOUR PROJECT IMO TEAM CONTACT PERSON THE WEEK PRIOR TO YOUR PROGRAM:

  • Signed (1) “Guidelines” (this form), (2) “Waiver and Acknowledgement Agreement”, and (3) “Health and Medical Background-Emergency Contact Information” forms

REQUIRED ON THE DAY OF THE PROGRAM:

  • Positive Identification if adult, Insurance Card or information (in case of emergency)
  • Water bottle (with your name on it) and any food or snacks are outlined in your program contract
  • A backpack, bug spray, sunscreen, light source (flashlight, headlamp)


PARTICIPATION

  • Project Imo hiking programs are an adventure. Come prepared with an attitude and an appetite for the exciting, the new, the ambiguous, and the profound. Leave your troubles behind, open your mind, and get ready for a great experience.
  • Group hiking is a cooperative experience. Pace and trail etiquette are discussed at the onset of the program. If the Project Imo facilitators need to adapt the pace to ensure everyone is included and can safely participate, everyone on the program must follow directions for safety.
  • We use the model “Challenge of Choice.” You are not required to do anything if you feel it poses unreasonable physical or psychological stress to you; you will be challenged to go beyond your comfort zone and to take new risks.
  • Because of safety risks inherent in an adventure program, you must follow the directions of the facilitators.


TRAIL READINESS & ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY

  • All participants in Project Imo, Inc. sponsored hikes must be able to complete the following requirements WITHOUT ASSISTANCE or WITH ASSISTANCE FROM A TRAINED, 1-on-1 AID,
  • Effectively warn other participants or staff of personal distress, injury, illness, or need for assistance,
  • Effectively warn others of impending adverse conditions such as tree branches, tripping hazards, falling rocks, steep elevation, animals and insects, rapid water, and other environmental hazards.
  • Communicate effectively up to a distance of 50 feet to alert program participants of hazards or distress.
  • Understand and follow basic instructions, such as urgent directions to move, stop, or other actions.
  • Travel during inclement weather.
  • Communicate nonverbally, potentially at night and in low-light conditions, through use of systems such as hand signals, rope tugs, body movement, etc.
  • Perform necessary self-care in remote or outdoor environment, including maintaining hydration and nutrition, dressing appropriately for the weather, maintaining personal hygiene and toileting, managing personal medical conditions, and utilizing safety gear.
  • Must be able to traverse uneven, rocky, or sometimes unstable terrain both up and downhill.
  • Travel without stopping at pace for up to half an hour if conditions become dangerous.
  • With a backpack or similar item, carry personal and/or group gear if necessary and under adverse for a period of time equivalent to half the scheduled outing.
  • Sustain for a potential two-hour extension of the planned activity in case of emergency.


TRAIL FIRST AID

  • Each facilitator carries a First Aid kit and supplies; let us know if you need anything.


Trail Specific Information

TRAIL ETTIQUITTE

  • Pace- Project Imo trip leaders will work to ensure that the person in the lead of the trail line does not carry a pace where they spend time waiting for the group to catch up, and the person at the end of the line never gets a rest. We will hike as a group.
  • Leave No Trace- all Project Imo programs follow Leave No Trace principals. Our staff will cover the basics of these critical practices before we hit the trail.
  • Project Imo hiking participants must be able to work together in a cooperative manner to ensure safe and successful exploration of our greenspaces. This may include problem solving and flexibility to adapt to changing natural environments


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.

  • PROTECTION – We recommend placing a barrier between exposed skin and potential bites. This can include a combination of bug repellent sprays and clothing. Long pants and sleeves when travelling in tall grasses and underbrush are recommended, as are close-toed shoes and socks. The Centers for Disease Control recommend bug sprays containing EPA-registered insect repellents and treating clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin. (but do not use directly on skin). Insect-barrier nets that cover your head are recommended when mosquitos are prevalent.

  • BEHAVIORS – Walk to the center of trails if at all possible. If your travels take you through brush or tall grass, conduct a tick-check. Check your clothing for ticks, shower after you return home, and on extended time outdoors, check your body for ticks. Conduct a full body check including under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, back of the knees, between the legs, and around the waist. Avoid standing water to reduce interactions with mosquitos.


I acknowledge that I have read these guidelines, and agree to abide by them while participating at in Project Imo programming:

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & MEDIA RELEASE

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.

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