LEWISTON — A local partnership between the Susan L. Curtis Charitable Foundation, four departments within the University of Southern Maine, and the Maine College of Art was recently awarded $150,000 through the University’s Office of Research and Development under the Maine Economic Improvement Fund.

The grant will fund an online pilot program, Camp Susan Curtis Online, which will allow campers to stay connected all year with the critical support network, curriculum and life lessons they develop during their stay at Camp Susan Curtis. Long term, the grant will inform the partnership around technological approaches to reducing social isolation, building resilience, and creating safe and enticing educational experiences for many disadvantaged populations.

Poland Spring is a consulting partner around the camp’s environmental education curriculum and the state’s Office of Information Technology adds collaborative strength through its technical expertise.

Camp Susan Curtis in Stoneham is a tuition-free, unique outdoor leadership program that teaches economically disadvantaged Maine children, ages 8 to 17, the habits and skills they need to succeed in school and in life.