Maddie Fresco ’22

How have you been involved with civic engagement at Colby, and why is it important to you?

I started being involved with Civic Engagement in my sophomore year. I started as a CCAK mentor spring of 2020. In the fall of my junior year, I started volunteering with the First Generation Investors national organization with hopes of starting a chapter at Colby the following semester. First Generation Investors (FGI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that teaches high school students the power of investing and provides the students with real money to invest. During the 21-22 academic year, Colby was able to start a chapter of FGI in Waterville. Colby College volunteers taught Waterville High School students the basics of investing over the course of eight sessions. Ten WHS students created a final portfolio of $100, which they received as a real investment account upon graduation. The program was made possible through funding from the President’s Office and the Office of Civic Engagement.