Mitchell Institute hosts largest MILE I weekend in organization’s history 
The Mitchell Institute hosted its largest MILE I (Mitchell Institute Leadership Experience I) weekend to date from October 10–12 at the New England Outdoor Center, welcoming 64 Scholars from across Maine and New England for three days of leadership development, connection, and service.
Designed to encourage Scholars to take healthy risks, build trusted networks, and strengthen community, the annual program brought together current Scholars, alumni, staff, and board members for an immersive experience in reflection and growth.
Members of the Institute’s Scholar Team led the weekend alongside two alumni mentors and other Mitchell Institute staff, who all worked together to make the event a success and connect with Scholars throughout the weekend.
Our alumni mentors, Spencer Traylor (2011 Scholar, Penquis Valley High School) and Ideh Rohani (2002 Scholar, Edward Little High School), led sessions and shared reflections. Traylor, Co-Founder and Director of Community Development at Samara Strategies, facilitated a workshop on community-driven leadership, while Rohani, a Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator at MaineHealth, encouraged Scholars to embrace the lifelong impact of being a part of the Mitchell community.
Saturday offered opportunities for Scholars to choose their own challenges — rafting the Penobscot River, summiting Katahdin, or joining a leadership workshop led by Board Member Elyse Pratt-Ronco, Director of Stakeholder Engagement at the John T. Gorman Foundation. Pratt-Ronco joined the group for the full weekend, guiding discussions on leadership and personal development.
The day concluded with an evening of gratitude and reflection, where Scholars recognized peers who made them feel seen, heard, and understood.
On Sunday, participants gave back through service projects at Baxter State Park, assisting park rangers with tasks such as stacking firewood, organizing resources, and maintaining campground areas.
The Mitchell Institute expressed its appreciation to L.L.Bean for its continued partnership in supporting experiential learning and leadership opportunities for Mitchell Scholars.
For 30 years, the Mitchell Institute has helped Maine students overcome barriers to higher education. By providing financial support, personal guidance, and a lifelong network, the Institute empowers Mitchell Scholars to graduate, build meaningful careers, and strengthen Maine’s communities and workforce through their success and leadership.
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