Media & Recognition
JMG is proud of the awards and recognition received for the work we collaboratively accomplish with our employees, partners, and students.
JMG Receives $10.4 Million Grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation
JMG has received the most significant private investment in our organization’s history, a $10.4 million grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation. Because of their belief in our ability to deliver results-driven programming to students in Maine, their newest investment in JMG has made it possible for our College Success Program to support students at every public college and university campus across the state. Read more
JMG President and CEO Craig Larrabee recognized by the Maine Legislature
We are proud to share that with bipartisan support, Maine lawmakers honored JMG President and CEO Craig Larrabee with a legislative sentiment for his three decades of leadership in education as JMG marks 30 years of supporting Maine students. We believe that this recognition by the Maine Legislature further highlights the essential role JMG plays in supporting academic success, career readiness, and personal growth among Maine’s youth. Read more.
“It gave me back my dreams.”
Opportunity Passport® has empowered Maine foster care youth to achieve $2M in saved and matched funds. Watch News Center Maine’s coverage of our celebration event as program participants share their stories and shine a light on the impact Opportunity Passport® has had on their lives.
JMG distributes refurbished laptops, Chromebooks to 200 students
AT&T helped 200 students enrolled in JMG’s high school and College Success programs begin the 2022-2023 school year by providing them with refurbished laptops and Chromebooks. Read coverage from centralmaine.com.
Full Plates Full Potential Partnership
JMG’s partnership with Full Plates Full Potential supports student-led collaborations in Maine schools that are focused on increasing awareness of student hunger and ensuring that every child is able to access school meals. News Center Maine’s 207 featured the student-led collaboration at Mount View Middle and High School.
Somerset Scrub Club
JMG and Redington-Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan patterned to host the Somerset Scrub Club over the summer. Students in grades 8 through 12 explored careers in health care that are available in Somerset County. Watch WABI Channel 5’s coverage of our collaboration.
AYCC Summer Retreat Program
For the second year in a row, JMG and the Alfond Youth and Community Center held a three-week summer retreat program, with more than 200 children participating. JMG President and CEO Craig Larrabee spoke with WABI Channel 5 about the importance of sharing career opportunities with Maine children. Watch their two-part coverage of the program.
Solving Maine’s Work Force Challenge One Youth at a Time
The Maine Chamber of Commerce featured how JMG is empowering Maine youth by giving them the experiences and skills needed to achieve positive career outcomes which will help strengthen the state’s economy in its spring edition of OneVoice Maine magazine. https://bit.ly/OneVoiceMaine
Best Places to Work in Maine
JMG was recognized as the Best Place to Work in Maine in 2021 (Mid-Size Employers) by the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), Best Companies Group, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, and Mainebiz.
More Awards & Recognition
JMG Executive VP Receives Statewide Leadership Award - Kim Lipp was honored by the Maine Women's Fund, receiving the 2019 Leadership Award for helping shape the future of Maine for more than 15 years.
Presidents Volunteer Service Award - JMG is proud to share that Caribou High School specialist Dr. Val Waldemarson has received the 2019 Presidents Volunteer Service Award. "Through your dedicated service, you have ensured the continuation of America's unparalleled commitment to improving the lives of others."
JMG Specialist Wins Prestigious Fulbright Scholarship - Morse High School specialist Maria Morris was awarded The 2019 Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program Scholarship. Recipients of Fulbright scholarships are selected on the basis of academic and professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential.
2019 Spirit of America Award - Caribou High School specialist Dr. Val Waldemarson received the City of Caribou's Spirit of America Award for exemplary citizenship, outstanding achievement, and honor brought upon the community.
College Success Specialist Honored with Shining Star Award - University of Maine Fort Kent specialist Susan Dubay accepted the 2019 TRIO Shining Star Award, which honors academic leaders who go above and beyond to support students who face challenges.
JMG Manager receives JAG National Network Award - Assistant Director of Operations Tracie Travers was presented with the 2019 JAG National Network Award for her commitment to trauma-informed care and resilience.
Aroostook Achievers Award - The 2019 Aroostook Achievers Award honoring upcoming professionals was presented to Caribou High School specialist Dr. Val Waldemarson by Momentum Aroostook.
Victor Esposito Named Outstanding Professional - Vassalboro Community School specialist Victor Esposito was presented with the 2018 Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Professional award for being a "tireless advocate for children". The Chamber president said, "His passion is contagious and his new ideas keep coming. He has a passion for what he does and it shines through.”
Education at Work Award - JMG was honored to receive the Finance Authority of Maine's 2018 Education at Work Award for the work it has done on issues vital to a young person’s economic self-sufficiency, such as postsecondary education and employment.
Person of the Year - Caribou High School JMG specialist Dr. Val Waldemarson was named the Bangor Metro's 2018 Person of the Year. Val was singled out as "a person with an outstanding commitment to bettering the Pine Tree State by providing significant leadership and contributions to her community."
JMG Specialists Inducted into Educators Hall of Fame - Three JMG Specialists were selected as Maine Educators Hall of Fame Starting 9 Inductees for 2017. Tara Houle of Sanford Junior High School; Stephany Perkins of Madison Area Memorial High School; and, Tara Poole of Shead High School. Sponsored by Unum and the Portland Seadogs, this award recognizes nine teachers each year for their extraordinary efforts in the classroom.
Community Service Kenney Award winner for 2017 - JMG was presented with the Kennebec Valley Chamber's Community Service Award in recognition of the many hours of service our students provide to charities throughout central Maine. For the very first time, the winner was chosen in a live vote by 700 guests at the Chamber's annual gala.
JMG Students Recognized by Margaret Chase Smith Library - Every year, JMG students provide more than 35,000 hours of community service to local charities. The Margaret Chase Smith Library has chosen to recognize JMG students in several of our high school programs for the work they do to make their communities a better place to live.
Friend of Youth in Care Award for Leadership in Improving the Lives of Youth in Foster Care - JMG was recognized by YLAT for making a commitment to, advocating for, leading on behalf of, and being a positive role model for youth in care.
Education Leadership Award - The Maine Coalition for Excellence in Education awarded JMG the Weston L. Bonney Education Leadership Award. The award is presented to those who show "commitment, vision and courage in support of Maine students."
Maine Jumpstart Educator of the Year Award - Caribou High School JMG specialist Dr. Val Waldemarson was named 2018 Educator of the Year by Maine Jumpstart for the personal finance work she has accomplished with Maine students.
Best Places to Work in Maine - JMG was recognized as one of 40 Best Places to Work in Maine in 2017 by the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), Best Companies Group, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, Employment Times/MyJobWave.com, and Mainebiz.
Community Spirit Award - The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine presented JMG with the Brendan Batson Community Spirit Award in recognition of all the JMG students who have contributed to the Foundation's cause over the years.
Giraffe Award - JMG was honored to receive the Giraffe Award from the Maine Children's Alliance for "sticking its neck out" for Maine's children, youth, and families.
Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy for Maine - The students of JMG were awarded Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy for Maine by the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Northern New England, recognizing the students' commitment to their communities through financial support and development of charitable programs.
Champion of Economic Development - JMG was named a "Champion of Economic Development" by the Maine Development Foundation for its commitment to Maine's economic growth.