PRESQUE ISLE—The region’s premier leadership development training experience returns for its 16 th
year with the theme Leadership Lessons from the Midway. This year’s Young Professionals Institute, a
partnership between the University of Maine at Presque Isle and MMG Insurance, will run on
Wednesdays from Feb. 28 to April 24 on the UMPI campus; most sessions will take place from 4-6 p.m.,
but the finale event will be held from 4-7 p.m. Participants are expected to attend all sessions. The online
nomination/application form is available at www.umpi.edu/ypi. The nomination deadline is Monday,
Feb. 5.
The Institute provides area employees with a one-of-a-kind professional development opportunity
designed specifically for emerging leaders looking to refine the skills that will bring them long-term
success in their careers. YPI 2024 includes a nine-week schedule full of fast-paced and interactive
learning.
“I attended the first Young Professionals Institute and I can honestly say that I am still reaping the benefits
today,” Kim Jones, UMPI Director of Employer U, said. “This program provides a unique and
tremendously valuable experience that better positions participants for long-term career success through
skill building, networking, and learning how to challenge the status quo.”
As part of this year’s theme, participants will elevate their professional skills in a transformative
experience where the thrill of the midway meets the art of leadership. They will learn about
communication, time management, and agility, and take part in a deeper exploration of remote teamwork,
technology and AI advancements, and intercultural relations.
Participants will hone their professional skills through activities and business simulation exercises. Along
the way, they’ll hear presentations by embedded guests from the public and private sectors. At the
institute’s end, they’ll showcase their learning with a presentation given to area business and community
leaders.
The Institute is presented by UMPI and MMG Insurance and is supported by Cary Medical Center,
Katahdin Trust Company, and Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital. UMPI’s Employer U program facilitates
the Institute, with help from several local business and community leaders, and graduates of past Young
Professionals Institutes.
“The Young Professionals Institute is a valuable asset for local employers and employees,” Matt
McHatten, President and CEO of MMG Insurance, said. “It is impressive to see so many graduates of the
program now serving in leadership roles around Aroostook County, which is proof positive that developing
the talent of emerging leaders benefits not only them but also their employers and the community at
large. We encourage employers to nominate rising professionals for the program, and we look forward to
engaging with this year’s YPI class.”
YPI sessions focus on the skills employers look for most in prospective employees and candidates for
advancement, from teamwork and communication to decision-making, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Participants will work together to tackle new assignments each week focused on these skills areas.
Previous sponsors of YPI participants include Acadia Health Education Coalition, ACE Rent-A-Car,
Aroostook Agency on Aging, Aroostook County Action Program/Healthy Aroostook, Aroostook Mental
Health Services, Inc., Barresi Financial, Carroll’s Auto Sales, Cary Medical Center, Central Aroostook
Association, City of Caribou, City of Presque Isle, The County Federal Credit Union, Dead River
Company, DFAS-Limestone, Dunleavy Law Offices, F.A. Peabody Co., Farm Credit of Maine,
Hardscrabble Solutions, Huber Engineered Woods, Katahdin Trust Company, K-Pel Industrial Services,
Inc., Loring Job Corps Center, Machias Savings Bank, Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community,
MSAD 20, McCain Foods, MMG Insurance, NorState Federal Credit Union, Northern Light A.R. Gould
Hospital, Northern Maine Community College, Northern Prosthetics, Pines Health Services, Rathbun
Lumber Company, Ryan’s Heart, Sitel, S.W. Collins, TD Bank, Thompson Financial Group, Town of Fort
Fairfield, United Insurance, U.S. Postal Service, University of Maine at Presque Isle, University of Maine
Cooperative Extension, Versant Power, and WAGM-TV.
There is no age restriction for the Young Professionals Institute. YPI is for participants who are “young” in
their careers, new to management, on track for promotion, or looking to enhance their professional skills,
regardless of age.
There are 20 seats available for YPI 2024. Professionals interested in taking the course must submit their
names for nomination or have their business employer nominate them. The nomination deadline is
Monday, Feb. 5. Selections will be announced Wednesday, Feb. 7. A $250 registration fee, paid by
course participants or their business sponsors, is due by Friday, Feb. 16.
For more information about the short course, which is not being offered for academic credit, please visit
www.umpi.edu/ypi or contact Jones at (207) (207) 768-9459 or [email protected].