TCTC among Teens to Trails grant winners
Teens to Trails is thrilled to announce that 21 schools across Maine have been awarded $600 grants to establish or enhance their outdoor clubs, providing students with transformative opportunities to connect with nature. Among the grant recipients is the Tri-County Technical Center in Dexter.
Made possible through the generous, continuous support of L.L.Bean, these grants remove financial barriers and help more students get outside, fostering well-being, teamwork, confidence and a lifelong appreciation for Maine’s natural landscapes.
Outdoor clubs use these funds in a wide variety of ways, depending on their community’s needs. In past years, grants have supported first-time ski clubs, sea kayaking expeditions, wilderness first aid trainings, winter camping trips, multi-day hut adventures, rock climbing and mountain biking outings and participation in Teens to Trails programs such as the Adventure Bound Rafting Weekend in May.
“This program is one of the most meaningful ways we can open doors for young people,” said Nate Snow, executive director of Teens to Trails. “A small investment can remove big barriers — helping students experience the outdoors in ways that build confidence, connection and joy. We’re proud to support clubs across Maine that make these experiences possible.”
This year’s grant recipients shared plans ranging from transportation support and gear access to funding overnight trips, ski days, coastal paddles and wilderness leadership experiences. As one club advisor put it, “These funds are the difference between hoping and doing. They allow us to take students on experiences they would otherwise never have the chance to try.”
The other 2025 grant winners include: Sacopee Valley High School, Hiram; Bucksport Middle School; Baxter Academy for Technology and Science, Portland; Morse High School, Bath; Portland High School; Brunswick High School; Searsport District Middle High School; Hall-Dale High School, Farmingdale; Community Regional Charter School, Cornville; Oak Hill High School, Wales; Spruce Mountain High School, Livermore Falls; Wiscasset Middle High School; Conners Emerson School, Bar Harbor; Belfast Area High School; Orono High School; Brunswick Junior High School; Dedham School; Hall-Dale Middle School, Farmingdale; Ecology Learning Center, Unity; and Ashland District School.
Teens to Trails is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit dedicated to connecting Maine middle and high school students to life-changing outdoor experiences, with a vision that all teens have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors together.