LEWISTON — Fifteen local education-focused organizations were present at the third annual Hillview Family Education and Aspirations Fair and made presentations to more than 120 residents of the Hillview housing development.

More than 30 adults and 92 school-age children visited an array of tables hosted by organizations including: Headstart, Lewiston High School’s Aspirations Lab, Maine College of Allied Health Professions, Kaplan University, Central Maine Community College, College for ME, FAME, Healthy Androscoggin, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services, AmeriCorps VISTA, Advocates for Children, the Lewiston Public Library, Literacy Volunteers and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

The youths had conversations about future career ideas, continuing their educations as adults, enrolling in early childhood programs and playing nutrition- and engineering-related games.

Youths received free books and games, school supplies, drawstring bags and T-shirts.

Connections were made between organizations and youths through conversations about volunteering, early childhood education, continuing an interrupted college education, and ways to make postsecondary education more affordable.

This event aimed to increase Hillview residents’ awareness about local services and resources at their disposal and to encourage the education and career aspirations of Hillview’s youths.