Description
The Promise Scholarship is designed to help underserved young achievers from Maine overcome financial, academic, social, and cultural barriers, remain in school, and graduate in four years with minimal debt — prepared to make their own contributions to Maine’s social and economic well-being.
The Promise Scholarship supports up to 100 scholars every year, approximately 25 in each class, with top-off, multi-year scholarship awards that aims to meet 100% of a scholar’s demonstrated need in covering the cost of USM tuition, fees, room, and board expenses. Our program promotes access and equity in earning a college degree, therefore awards vary based upon a student’s eligibility for other federal, state, and institutional aid to ensure college remains affordable for all.
The Promise Scholarship will host virtual info sessions on Wed. Feb. 8 at 6PM and Wed. Feb 22 at 3PM for prospective applicants and their families. Please RSVP by visiting this link.
Additionally, partnering youth-serving organizations and Maine school counselors may nominate prospective candidates by completing this short nomination form.
Eligibility
To qualify for the multi-year renewable Promise Scholarship, a student:
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Must be an incoming first-year or transfer undergraduate admitted to a USM degree program.
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Must be a resident of the State of Maine.
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Demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA (students who are FAFSA ineligible may submit alternative documents).
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Must be enrolled (or intend to enroll) full-time each term and earn 30 credits per year; exceptions may be made with professional judgment.
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Demonstrate commitment to civic engagement and/or community service.
Preferences include:
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Referral from partnering youth serving organizations
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First-generation college student
Award Amount
Deadline
How to Apply
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Complete the linked application form
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Submit the FAFSA by the priority filing date of Jan. 15th (if eligible) or provide documents that demonstrate financial need (ex. TANF, SSI, SNAP or verification of free/reduced lunch).
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Submit a letter of recommendation (preferably from a Youth Development Organization)
How to Renew
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Maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA; First-year, first-time Promise Scholars may earn a 2.0 GPA during their first year and still maintain eligibility for the Promise Scholarship. Promise Scholars would be required to raise their cumulative GPA to a 2.5 in subsequent years.
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Attend the Promise Scholarship Immersion Week Experience that occurs the week prior to their first fall semester.
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Regularly participate in Promise Scholarship Program events, services and workshops.
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Recipients are highly encouraged to give back to the community through volunteer service, mentoring, or supporting USM activities.