Programs
COA educates, empowers, and engages Black and immigrant youth across Maine to become agents of change in their communities. Through civic education, grassroots organizing, and leadership development, we equip young people with the tools to understand systems of power, advocate for themselves, and shape the future of their neighborhoods and the state.
LEO
Listening, Education & Organizing
LEO is COA’s flagship political education and leadership development program. Through interactive workshops, issue briefings, and facilitated discussions, participants explore housing, immigration policy, public safety, economic justice, and local governance. LEO equips youth with the knowledge and confidence to understand power and how change happens.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS GAIN:
- Civic engagement and systems knowledge
- Skills and tools around civic education
- Public speaking and facilitation skills
- Organizing and advocacy training
- Confidence navigating civic spaces
Who it's for
Anyone in Maine under the age of 30, with a focus on Black, immigrant, and low-income individuals.
How to join
Cohorts typically launch multiple times per year. Sign up through our Instagram during open call periods, email [email protected] (attn: Solange Omon) or fill out the form below to be included on our waitlist.
CAP translates political education into direct civic action. Participants engage in voter registration, ballot initiative campaigns, public testimony, and policy advocacy at the local and state level, including holding in-district meetings and legislative debrief with local delegates. The program provides hands-on experience in grassroots organizing and electoral engagement.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS GAIN:
- Real-world civic engagement experience
- Campaign and field organizing skills
- Policy literacy
- Leadership experience in high-impact settings
Who it's for
Youth and young adults ready to take action on issues affecting their communities.
How to join
Open to LEO graduates and interested youth. Email [email protected] (attn: Reese Remington) for more information, or fill out the form below.
CAP
Civics Action Program
YCA
Youth in Climate Advocacy
YCA prepares young leaders to organize around environmental and climate justice. Participants examine how climate policy intersects with racial and economic equity while designing advocacy campaigns that address community-level impacts.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS GAIN:
- Climate policy education
- Campaign planning skills
- Coalition-building experience
- Tools to lead school and community based initiatives
- Confidence navigating civic spaces
Who it's for
Black, immigrant, and marginalized youth concerned about climate justice and environmental equity.
How to join
Sign up through our Instagram during open call periods, email [email protected] or fill out the form below to be included on our waitlist.
Career Discovery exposes youth to professional pathways across Maine through conferences, employer networking, mentorship, and hands-on skill-building opportunities. The program connects young people to tangible next steps in education and employment.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS GAIN:
- Professional networking opportunities
- Resume and interview preparation
- Exposure to diverse industries
- Internship and mentorship connections
Who it's for
Youth and young adults ready to take action on issues affecting their communities.
How to join
Fill out the form below or email [email protected] to be considered for our next Career Discovery cohort.
Career Discovery
Program
“[The Career Discovery program] was the program that opened my eyes and the gates of employment for me. I have been struggling with job applications and resume building and it was getting mentally draining. I thought I had lost hope until I joined the program and went to their UNUM workshop. There, I have seen similar faces that I connected with and learned more about the company. Even though I am a human biology major, I felt like I could belong at UNUM. The work environment and the people are such a beautiful attraction to the young professionals who are looking into building their careers. Without this program I would not have seen this side of Unum or even thought of applying to UNUM. I am now a Benefits Coordinator, and very blessed and thankful for the Career Discovery program for this amazing opportunity!”
How to Join
Get On the COA Programs List
Interested in one of our programs? Fill out the following form and someone from our team will be in touch.
Eligibility
Programs are open to anyone under the age of 30, with a focus on Black, immigrant, and low-income individuals.
