A Promise to Maine Students
USM’s Promise Scholars Program ensures that limited-income, first-generation Maine students—with leadership qualities and a deep commitment to service—are on a path to successfully complete their college degree and graduate with minimal debt, well-prepared to contribute to Maine’s workforce. Beyond financial aid, Promise Scholars benefit from a comprehensive suite of supports, leading to increased student retention and improved graduation outcomes. Your gift to the Promise Endowment helps keep the “promise of Promise” today, tomorrow, and always.
Extraordinary Impact
The Promise program fosters an environment where scholars thrive:
- Sophomore retention rates are consistently at 92%+ – over 20% above the university average
- In the class of 2024, 46% graduated in four years, despite the challenges of COVID
- Within this cohort, 45% are pursuing graduate studies in high-demand fields
- Others have full-time jobs at organizations like Unum, MaineHealth, and the State of Maine
More Than a Scholarship
Promise is designed to meet students where they are:
- Each scholar receives the precise support they need to make college accessible and affordable.
- In addition to filling gaps in tuition and fees, Promise recognizes the challenges of housing and food insecurity, expanding rewards to include on-campus housing and meals.
- The program also supports student success through mentorship, networking, career development, and a strong focus on community
In my sophomore year, Covid was really intense. I don’t know what would have happened if I didn’t have the mentoring support, the flexibility and the resources I needed to take care of myself and focus on my classes. With Promise, there are extra factors that help you thrive, get that degree, and have a future…more
It doesn’t matter where you are from, how you started, or the experiences you bring. What matters is who you become when you leave. My three years as a Promise Scholar at USM have been transformative and some of the best of my life. More…
Because of Promise I was able to graduate in just three years. As a first-generation college student, I did not even expect to attend college. The different kind of support that this program provides goes above and beyond. More…
Let’s continue the conversation.
Contact Erin Macey, Executive Director of Development:
Phone: 207.780.4408 or Fax: 207-780-4778
Email: erin.macey@maine.edu
Mail: Make your check payable to University of Southern Maine Foundation and addressed to Erin Macey, USM Foundation, P.O. Box 9300, Portland, ME 04101-9300
When planning to make a gift to USM, seek the advice of your financial or legal advisor.