All University of Southern Maine (USM) first-year and transfer students are welcome to join. Russell Scholars are admitted students from any major with an average-to-excellent academic record. They come from all backgrounds and are interested in hands-on, collaborative learning.

There are no extra charges to join Russell Scholars and there is no obligation to remain in the learning community after your first year, though many students continue to stay involved through graduation.

When I entered USM, I was immediately welcomed by the RSP family. When I returned to the Gorham campus, even after two years of remote learning, I was greeted by name. This academic community celebrates unique roots and origins…”
Gabby Gonzales ’23
Health Sciences major

Being a member of the Russell Scholars Learning Community comes with a number of benefits:

  • Opportunities in- and out-of-class to meet new friends more easily
  • Individualized academic mentoring
  • Small, integrated classes that satisfy multiple Core curriculum requirements and promote environmental appreciation and awareness
  • Access to classrooms, faculty offices, and a study lounge dedicated to our learning community members
  • Guided exploration of career interests in partnership with the University’s Career Hub
  • On-campus housing is available for our students, but not required

We request the completion of a brief application to help us plan curricular and co-curricular activities.

Apply today

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