When I began building the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies in 2020, I reached out to Maine’s elected officials and public leaders out of sheer frustration. I wanted to create something authentic and meaningful for the young people of Franklin County, especially those who were being overlooked by existing systems. Of all the elected officials I contacted, the only office that responded was Senator Susan Collins’ Lewiston office. That mattered more than people realize.
As someone who is a registered independent, a former Democrat, a former Republican, and a person who had never particularly enjoyed politics, I was skeptical that government would provide meaningful help rather than simply offer more lip service.
Senator Collins’ office was a pleasant surprise. Her staff listened, responded with respect, and followed up with tangible solutions. Most importantly, they understood that young people in Franklin County deserve more opportunities.
The needs of children and youth in Franklin County have too often been accepted as an unavoidable part of life here rather than urgent problems requiring solutions. As of June 24, 2026, RSU 9 had identified 61 students experiencing homelessness. Limited career pathways, inadequate transportation, too few work-based learning opportunities, limited access to positive activities for young people without financial resources, and a shortage of meaningful support have also been treated as conditions to manage rather than problems we must work together to solve.
CES was created because we believe the young people of Franklin County deserve more. They deserve opportunity, mentorship, hands-on learning, and the chance to build a future within their own community, close to home.
Senator Collins’ office recognized that. Her staff stood by us as we worked to create practical solutions for youth through entrepreneurship, workforce development, innovation, and community-based programming. Their support was demonstrated through responsiveness, sincere guidance, help identifying funding opportunities, and meaningful action.
One of the things I have learned is that it takes courage to think independently and not simply go along with the crowd. God knows, there is always someone ready, willing, and able to offer unkind criticism. That courage is also at the heart of entrepreneurship, and it is what I admire most about Senator Collins. She does not simply vote along party lines. She makes decisions based on what she believes is right, and what she hears directly from the people she serves.
We will never agree with every vote cast or decision made by an elected official. None of us knows all the facts surrounding every local, national, or international issue, yet people often make assumptions and judgments without having complete information. What I can say with certainty is that Senator Collins and her staff listened to us and took action on behalf of our youth. I believe elected officials deserve credit when they do that.
Senator Collins and her team have shown up for rural Maine, Franklin County, and young people who are too often left out of the conversation. At CES, our motto is embedded in our logo: “Created by Students, for Students.” This mindset allows us to build something better alongside the youth we serve. Senator Collins’ office understood that from the beginning.
I am grateful for Senator Collins’ leadership and for the responsiveness and support of her staff. She has earned my respect and support because her office listened, followed through, and took meaningful action for the youth of Franklin County. Thank you for taking the time to consider our firsthand experience, and thank you, Senator Collins, for standing with the young people of our community.
Sincerely,
Bonita Tompkins, CEO
The Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
Farmington, ME
Read the letter: Daily Bulldog