KENNEBUNK – After-school clubs can be intimidating for students who don’t know what to expect. Others might have interests that aren’t reflected in the available roster of clubs. 

Providing a positive after-school experience is a key component to the drug prevention program provided by the Prevention Collaborative of the Kennebunks, according to Rick Frost, master sergeant with the Maine National Guard Counterdrug Task Force.

That’s what’s behind Spark Tank, a new program that offers students in fifth through 12th grades the opportunity to start their own after-school school club. Students need to come up with an idea, get a few friends behind it, and fill out a simple application. 

Selected students will get a $1,000 stipend to get started. Awards will be made in October and the deadline to apply is Oct. 9. The program is open to all age-eligible students in Regional School Unit 21. More information and the application form is available here.

“Any parents or caregivers out there that have ever heard their kids mention an idea they had for a club, or that have complained they wanted to do something different than what was being offered in the community, please encourage them to apply for this,” Frost said. “Coach them along if necessary, but we’d love the ideas and advocacy to come from them.” 

Spark Tank is a youth leadership and prevention initiative developed through a partnership between the Prevention Collaborative of the Kennebunks and the Kennebunk Parks and Recreation Department. Mason’s Arundel Lodge #76 and Kennebunkport Rotary are providing cash support, along with other organizations that are providing in-kind support. 

More information on the Prevention Collaborative of the Kennebunks can be found here.