KENNEBUNK — AmeriCorps gave Meaghan Arzberger an opportunity to make a lasting impact for at-risk youth.

Arzberger currently works as the manager of youth and volunteer engagement at United Way of York County.

Arzberger, 29, served as an AmeriCorps volunteer from September of 2009 to September of 2010 at LearningWorks in Portland, an agency that provides services to immigrants and at-risk youth.

While there, she developed a mentor program for graduates of the YouthBuild alternative education program, and secured a $90,000 grant for the organization.

Arzberger said she spent months developing policies and procedures; making contacts through trade unions, the local chamber of commerce and other organizations; and screening mentors.

She said there was one young man in the program who had low literacy skills, but was fascinated with car mechanics. He was matched up with a mentor who not only taught him about car mechanics, but worked with him on reading. The student eventually went on to earn his high school diploma.

“It’s amazing how many positive things can come out of a mentor relationship,” she said. “I was able to develop a program that will help more youth than I will ever know.”

Arzberger grew up in upstate New York, and received a bachelor degree in political science and French from Saint Mary’s College in Indiana and a master’s degree in policy analysis and nonprofit management from University of Southern Maine’s Muskie School of Public Service.

Arzberger said doing community service was always important to her, and AmeriCorps allowed her to use the skills she learned in college to make a lasting impact.

It’s unique for a recent college graduate to be given a leadership role and the task of developing a new program.

“When I finished, I felt like I could do anything,” she said.

Arzberger took part in a ceremony on Sept. 12 recognizing the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps at Walker’s Point in Kennebunkport, where the Bush family’s summer home is located.

Neil Bush swore in a new class of AmeriCorps volunteers, and Arzberger spoke at the outdoor ceremony. Former President George H. W. Bush and wife Barbara were in attendance. Arzberger said the Bush family was very welcoming, and she described a relaxed atmosphere with the family dogs running around.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].