Meet the organization helping Lewiston kids get into the lobster industry

A Lewiston-based program called Lift All Boats is helping students work toward lobster licenses, including teens gaining hands-on experience this summer on the Maine coast. Over just over 30 students participated in beginner, intermediate and advanced tracks, growing from four students in five years to a high of 32 this summer. Lift All Boats has more than 100 applicants each year for fewer than 15 spots, program leaders said. This year, it partnered with Tree Street Youth, which recruits students and helps connect them to the pier. Students complete 1,000 hours of instruction and fish for 200 days over 24 months to qualify for commercial licenses, bypassing the state waitlist.