Projects, Inc., a nonprofit community development organization based in Camden, has received a three-year, $50,000 grant from the Betterment Foundation to implement an education initiative for Passamaquoddy tribal youth. The intent is to prepare interested young people to learn the many skills of running a business, preparing for future careers, and gaining a working knowledge of leadership and entrepreneurial creativity.   

Topics will include finance and accounting, business development, long range planning, leadership training, restorative practices, communication skills, physical and emotional health, information technology, marketing, customer service, artistic expression, tribal culture continuity and permanence, natural resource conservation and forestry management, and technical training in maple products production.  

“We’re thrilled to get this program off the ground,” said Projects, Inc. Executive Director Perry Gates, in a news release. “We hope to educate tribal youth in how businesses can be run without losing the continuity of their tribal culture.” 

In 2012 Projects, Inc. provided the content for the first of two grant applications which, when awarded, have brought over $4.1 Million to the Passamaquoddy Indian Tribe in order to establish a maple syrup products business. Additionally, the grant application was worded to include “community development” in order to demonstrate a strong desire for sustainability of the proposed project.  

For more information, please contact Perry Gates, Executive Director, at perrygates40@gmail.com or visit www.projectslearning.org.