Former U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe expands Leadership Institute to support Maine girls beyond high school

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - When former U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe chose not to seek reelection, her dedication to Maine did not come to an end. Instead, she redirected her focus back home to address a challenge facing young women across the state.

Through the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute, the former senator has created a pathway for Maine high school girls to discover and develop their values, voice, and vision.

Tackling the Confidence Gap

Snowe launched the institute after seeing research showing that girls are three and a half times more likely than their male peers to experience a drop in self-esteem by the time they enter high school.

To bridge that gap, the program pairs students with professional women from various industries throughout Maine. To date, nearly 650 girls have participated, working directly with mentors who help nurture their talents, foster resilience, and build long-term confidence.

“It’s priceless in terms of what I’ve observed and the feedback that we get from these young women,” Snowe said. “The stories they tell when they go on to college, or whatever they’re pursuing, in the military, and then come back to us—they participate in our programs.”

A Two-Way Mentorship Impact

The curriculum spans 10th, 11th, and 12th grades and is active across 37 high schools spanning all 16 Maine counties. Mentors meet regularly with students, guiding them through challenges both inside and outside the classroom.

For mentors, the relationship proves just as transformative.

“Even as adults, we still need to learn these things, and everything we’re learning during this program, they’re impacting us,” said Ruba Haddad, brand officer at Katahdin Trust Bank and an institute mentor. “I’m a better mother, I’m a better friend, I’m a better leader because of this program.”

Expanding Beyond Graduation

The institute’s support doesn’t stop at high school graduation. Snowe announced the organization is expanding its focus to follow participants into adulthood, as alum chapters at colleges and universities across Maine have evolved.

According to Snowe, the mission is designed not just for a single phase of a young woman’s life, but to support her through every chapter ahead.

Call to Action

For more information on the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute or to get involved as a student or mentor, visit their official website.