The region’s premier leadership development training experience returns for its 17th year with the theme The Anatomy of Leadership. 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. 26 to April 16 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 Wednesday, Jan. 29.
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 2025 includes an eight-week schedule full of fast-paced and interactive learning.
“I attended the first Young Professionals Institute and can honestly say that I am still reaping the benefits today,” Kim Jones, UMPI Director of Employer U, said. “Through immersive skill building, networking, and mentorship from regional leaders, this program provides a unique and tremendously valuable experience that better positions participants for long-term career success.”
As part of this year’s theme, participants will elevate their professional skills with a journey into the science and art of modern leadership. Inspired by the intricacies of the human body, each session will examine a different “system” of leadership—from the brain (strategic thinking) to the heart (emotional intelligence). In other sessions, they will learn about effective communication within a diverse workforce, fostering a culture of accountability, leveraging modern technologies, and guiding teams through change.
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 Katahdin Trust Company, Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital, County Federal Credit Union, Central Aroostook Association, and Kieffer Real Estate. UMPI’s Employer U program facilitates the Institute, with help from several local business and community leaders, and graduates of past Young Professionals Institutes.
“Over the years, we have seen the positive impact of the Young Professionals Institute on both our workforce and that of Aroostook County,” Matt McHatten, President and CEO of MMG Insurance, said. “Our region has greatly benefited from the impressive leadership and problem-solving skills that those in the program develop and then utilize in the workplace and the community. We encourage all area employers to invest in their rising professionals and nominate them for this program.”
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 have included Acadia Health Education Coalition, ACE Rent-A-Car, Aroostook Agency on Aging, Aroostook County Action Program/Healthy Aroostook, Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc., Aroostook Regional Transportation, 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, MSAD 20, McCain Foods, MMG Insurance, New Ventures Maine, NorState Federal Credit Union, Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital, Northern Maine Community College, Northern Prosthetics, Pineland Farms, 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 2025. Professionals interested in taking the course must submit their names for nomination or have their business employer nominate them. The nomination deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 29. Selections will be announced Friday, Jan. 31. A $250 registration fee, paid by course participants or their business sponsors, is due by Friday, Feb. 14.
For more information about the short course, please visit www.umpi.edu/ypi or contact Jones at (207) (207) 768-9459 or kimberly.a.jones@maine.edu.