PORTLAND — The Maine Coalition for Excellence in Education will launch its Prepare Maine initiative on Thursday at Portland Arts and Technology High School.

The coalition is a statewide alliance of business and educational leaders who advocate for educational opportunity and equity. Prepare Maine will promote education as the foundation of the state’s economy.

Business leaders will discuss Maine’s urgent need for an educational system that prepares all Mainers for success in the new economy. They will highlight innovative programs such as the Expeditionary Learning curriculum at Casco Bay High School and the Early Childhood Occupations program at PATHS.