We want to match you with the program(s) that best fits your interests and availability/schedule, so please try to answer as thoroughly as possible.

Our Partners:
The Long Creek Youth Development Center is Maine’s only juvenile facility, located in Portland (around 40 minutes from campus). Bowdoin for Justice’s Youth Mentors will visit Long Creek once a week to support the kids involved in its educational programming. This program is perfect for those who want to build connections through crafting an in-person bond. Commitment level: high.

The Maine Correctional Women’s Center accommodates 86 adult female residents. Bowdoin for Justice’s Pen Pals will handwrite letters to assigned pen pals within the Center bi-weekly. In the alternate weeks, participants will receive handwritten letters from their pen pals. This program offers a meaningful yet manageable way to build connections. Commitment level: medium.

College Guild provides structured educational opportunities for incarcerated people outside of formal schooling systems. Bowdoin for Justice’s Course Readers will participate in College Guild’s free correspondence courses, providing feedback, affirmation, and an example for their students. This program empowers inmates by offering them a glimpse of what they are capable of – critical thinking, finishing a project, and the social/emotional support to build confidence. Commitment level: low.

Youth-LED Justice is a restorative justice program that works with young people in trouble with the law, school, or community. Bowdoin for Justice’s Restorative Justice Volunteers will assist with equitably navigating conflict by bringing affected parties together for healing and repair. This program offers a variety of potential opportunities depending on your interest and specialties, ranging from involvement in the restorative process to helping with one-off events to more administrative roles! Commitment level: what you make of it.