lauren sterling

Provided the Department of Corrections media correspondence by investigating and reporting pertinent information with which to strengthen media news coverage. Conducted cross-departmental media presentations; coordinated press conferences and media focus groups with Governor's office; expanded stakeholder awareness about the department through a monthly newsletter, press releases and creative media projects. Produced a prevention video called "Choices" with lifetime inmates now available in Maine schools.

Covered education at the University of Maine, as well as feature stories. (Samples available upon request.)

Second Century Stewardship brings together world-class leadership in a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Schoodic Institute, Acadia National Park (ANP), and other institutions to advance science, research, and education in the National Parks.

Co-chaired the YOUTH MATTER (Communities for Children & Youth) Coalition. Successfully led the development and submissions of various grant proposals yielding $5 million since 1997 in local youth development, afterschool, and prevention funds to collaboratively fill gaps in services to include, but not limited to: The 21st Century Community Learning Center's grant project, the One ME Substance Abuse Prevention Project to reduce substance abuse among 12-17 year old teens; the Regional Juvenile Resolution Team program with five police departments, Youth Expressions, an after school performing arts program for at risk teens, a summer Shakespeare Camp for Teens, Music Mentoring, and shared in the development of the Colby Cares About Kids Mentoring Program, a community-wide, nationally recognized college/community mentoring initiative in partnership with Colby College providing 400 area children with one-on-one mentors. Funded and implemented the 40 Developmental Asset Survey in three area school systems to gather baseline data from which all programmatic decision are made.

Provided management and oversight to the Maine Department of Education's 21st Century Community Learning Center federal grant program and its evaluation resulting in improved academic performance for over 10,000 low-performing students served in year-round, quality afterschool and summer learning programs statewide.

Managed the Maine Governor s Children s Cabinet providing cross-systems facilitation and direction to various initiatives to include: the Maine Best Practices in Bullying and Harassment Prevention, the Shared Youth Vision Council, the Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform, Educare Maine, the Maine Afterschool Network, and the former Task Force on Early Childhood among others. Facilitated partnerships with national youth development and research organizations to share best practices to Maine in cross-agency policy and practices as well as share Maine's best practice efforts nationally.

Provided technical assistance to various states to successfully transition their inter-agency Children's Cabinet or Coordinating bodies into the next administrations.

Managed a countywide nonprofit offering school and community-based prevention programs to children, adolescents and parents. Assessed, designed and implemented programs based on community need, and collaborated extensively with private and state agencies. Represented the 16 child abuse and neglect councils on various state and county coalitions and legislative advocacy committees.

Promoted the program's mission through public awareness and new fundraising events to include a statewide speakers-bureau, web site, local and national events and projects such as "Camper Helping Campers," golf tournaments, grant writing and media relations. Coordinated layout and production of all program literature.

Designed marketing, media and fundraising strategies promoting the first summer-school performance program at the High School of Performing Arts ("Fame") in New York City. Co-produced an alumni celebrity benefit through which the summer program was funded.

Promoted and produced a multifaceted media event in New York City gaining national attention composing creative and informative press releases, speaking on local and national broadcast segments and establishing enthusiasm and support from New York celebrities.

In partnership with the Educare Central Maine and the Maine Early Learning Investment Group (MELIG), provide leadership in resource development and philanthropic partnerships to replicate Educare's high-quality early childhood services in Maine's poorest communities. Over a 5-year period in Somerset County, ME between 75 and 100 infants, toddlers and preschoolers and their parents will receive full-day, year-round services designed to prepare the children to enter kindergarten ready to learn and socialize, and support their parents' own educational and workforce goals.

Assist in performance review, campaign planning and feasibility studies for charitable nonprofit organizations. Represent the State of Maine, and Chair the Association of Fundraising Professionals: Demont Associate s Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Awards selection committee.

A transformational scholarship for Maine students, The Promise Scholarship program is designed to create a path forward for talented and motivated young people by helping students overcome financial and academic barriers, remain in school, and graduate with less debt, prepared to make their own contributions to Maine s social and economic well-being. By partnering with successful youth development organizations in Maine, The Promise Scholarship program offers the unique opportunity to identify eligible high school students with demonstrated potential, but limited means and life challenges. The funds support primarily first-generation, college-bound students academic goals with financial aid. The program also provides students with the personal guidance they need to successfully transition into USM, and help to navigate college life and academics in order to successfully complete and earn a degree in the field of their choice.

Activities and Societies: Phi Kappa Phi