The UMA Ellsworth Center is excited to host Swipe Right for Scholarships, a free, virtual scholarship workshop open to all UMA students and members of the public, on Wednesday, February 18, from 10 a.m. to Noon via Zoom.

This annual scholarship event offers practical, expert guidance on how to find, apply for, and maximize scholarship funding. Whether you’re new to the process or refining your strategy, participants will leave with tools and tips they can use immediately.

This year’s event features expert presentations followed by a live Q&A session. See the full schedule below.

Why Attend?

Participants will learn how to:

• Find Scholarships – Learn About Your Search Tools
• Apply – Make Your Application Stand Out In All The Right Ways
• Maximize Your Award – Strategize and Save More

Registration Information

Registration is required to receive the Zoom link and follow-up resources.

For more information, contact Lori Googins at lori.googins@maine.edu or (207) 667-3897.

The GEN Scholarship encourages adults to pursue a college education. This one-time scholarship, up to $1,000, can be applied to tuition, fees, books, and other expenses at any University of Maine System location, any Maine Community College, and the University of New England.

You are eligible to apply if you live in Maine and have completed one of these free New Ventures Maine classes: My Next Career Move, My Money Works, or Venturing Forth.

Earning the UMS Financial Literacy Micro-Credential also fulfills the class eligibility requirement.

Join us for an evening of art, music and inspiration at Art & Music Night, a special fundraising event in support of student scholarships. The event will take place Thursday, April 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Jewett Hall on the UMA Augusta campus, at 46 University Drive.

Art & Music Night will feature a student art exhibition, a reception with a cash bar at the Danforth Art Gallery and live music performances by Â鶹APP esteemed music faculty, including Lindsey Wiehl, Duane Edwards, Christine Letcher, Anita Jerosch and Jeffrey Rojo.

The event is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome and encouraged, with all funds raised supporting scholarships for UMA art and music students.

“This event is more than just a night of art and music—it’s an investment in the future of Â鶹APP talented students,” said Assistant Professor of Music Lindsey Wiehl, of Â鶹APP Contemporary and Popular Music Program. “Every ticket, every donation, and every moment of support helps provide scholarships that turn passion into possibility. We can’t wait to share an inspiring evening with you and make a real difference together!”

Art & Music Night showcases the talent and dedication of UMA students and faculty while raising critical funds to help the next generation of artists and musicians thrive.

Find Scholarships – Learn About Your Search Tools
Apply – Make Your Application Stand Out In All The RIGHT Ways
Maximize Your Award – Strategize and Save More

February is the key time to pursue scholarships and supplemental funding to increase your financial resources for the next school year. Fall in Love with Scholarships is an annual UMA Ellsworth Center event available to all UMA students via Zoom!

On February 20th, from 9:00am to 12:00pm, experts will share scholarship search strategies and suggest accessible scholarships to pursue.

All those registered for the webinar will receive follow-up resources, plus a webinar recording.

As requested by Gov. Mills, the University of Maine System will ensure the cost of college is not a barrier for those directly impacted by the tragedy by providing free tuition and establishing a fund to support other postsecondary educational expenses

LEWISTON — Those who were physically injured and surviving family members of those killed in the Lewiston mass shooting last month will be able to attend the University of Maine System (UMS) for free.

Gov. Mills, Chancellor Dannel Malloy and the Board of Trustees announced yesterday a new Lewiston Strong Tuition Waiver for eligible victims who choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree through any of Maine’s public universities.

Chancellor Malloy said UMS decided to develop the waiver after Gov. Mills asked the System to establish a scholarship fund for those directly impacted by the October tragedy. The System built on the Governor’s request, agreeing to waive tuition altogether and also creating a fund to accept donations toward the non-tuition college costs of those affected by the mass shooting.

“I thank the University of Maine System for establishing the Lewiston Strong Tuition Waiver and Scholarship Fund, which will ensure that the cost of higher education will never be a barrier for those directly impacted by the tragedy in Lewiston,” said Gov. Janet Mills. “Through their boundless generosity, Maine people are demonstrating that our state will stand by those who were injured and the families of those who were killed in the months, years and decades to come.”

UMS estimates that more than 80 impacted individuals could have their entire public university tuition and fees waived. Those eligible include spouses and biological, adopted and step children of the 18 individuals who were killed, as well as the 31 Mainers who sustained physical injuries connected to the shootings. The System is working with the Office of the Maine Attorney General to verify eligibility.

This academic year, the average UMS cost of in-state tuition and fees is $10,196. Waiver recipients 20 and older could also participate at no cost in the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s program, an entirely online competency-based program for which adult students pay a flat fee per session inclusive of as many courses as they wish to take and all related materials.

“By all accounts, those who were tragically killed were deeply devoted to their families and working hard to provide them a strong future. While nothing will bring them back, the University of Maine System believes that the best way we can honor the memories of those taken too soon is to ensure their loved ones can easily access postsecondary education and opportunity,” said Chancellor Malloy.

“Beyond unimaginable grief, we know there is also overwhelming anxiety about financial and other responsibilities for those directly impacted, especially for those who are suddenly single parents or who were physically injured because of this horrific mass shooting. Our hope is that by committing to cover these college costs, it will alleviate one of the many burdens these families are now unfortunately facing and make it easier for them to rebuild their lives and our community.”

New Lewiston Strong Scholarship Fund established, donations sought

To make the transformational power of a four-year postsecondary degree even more accessible, UMS has also established a Lewiston Strong Scholarship Fund through which the public is invited to invest in the future of those impacted by the Lewiston shooting. The fund, which will be managed by the University of Maine Foundation, will help defray other costs of college attendance including room, board, and books, with preference given to those eligible for the waiver.

“The horrific events in Lewiston have continued to impact the people of Maine and our nation,” said UMaine and University of Maine at Machias President Joan Ferrini-Mundy. “The University of Maine and the University of Maine at Machias communities are opening our arms to a brighter future where we can ensure access to higher education and be a resource of support to all directly affected by this tragedy.”

The UMaine Foundation and the University of Southern Maine Foundation will both accept donations toward the scholarship fund. USM has a campus at 51 Westminster St. in Lewiston, historically known as Lewiston-Auburn College and focused on healthcare programs, and one of the Â鶹APP’s regional distance education centers is also co-located there.

“The tragic shooting in Lewiston impacted the University of Southern Maine community: students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. We welcome this opportunity to provide assistance to those who are impacted by these heartbreaking events,” said USM President Jacqueline Edmondson. “It is my hope that this scholarship will provide educational opportunities for those who lost loved ones, and it is my wish that they will feel a sense of care and compassion from the many people who will donate to this important fund.”

To donate through the UMaine Foundation, please visit or mail checks to Lewiston Strong Scholarship Fund c/o UMaine Foundation, Two Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469-5792.

To donate through the USM Foundation, please visit or mail checks to Lewiston Strong Scholarship Fund c/o USM Foundation P.O. Box 9300, Portland, ME 04104-9300.

Form more information and media inquiries, contact: Samantha Warren, 207-632-0389, samantha.warren@maine.edu.

About the University of Maine System

Established in 1968, the University of Maine System (UMS) unites Maine’s seven distinctive public universities, comprising 10 campuses and numerous centers, in the common purpose of providing quality higher education while delivering on its traditional tripartite mission of teaching, research, and public service.

In 2020 UMS became the first and only statewide enterprise of public higher education in the country to transition to a unified accreditation for the system. Much different than a merger or consolidation, unified accreditation is a new operating model for the University of Maine System that removes the primary barrier to inter-institutional collaboration.

A comprehensive public institution of higher education, UMS serves more than 30,000 students annually and is supported by the efforts of more than 2,000 full-time and part-time faculty, more than 3,000 regular full-time and part-time staff, and a complement of part-time temporary (adjunct) faculty.

Reaching more than 500,000 people annually through educational and cultural offerings, the University of Maine System also benefits from more than two-thirds of its alumni population residing within the state; more than 123,000 individuals.

The System consists of seven main campuses: The University of Maine (UMaine), including its regional campus the University of Maine at Machias (UMaine Machias); the Â鶹APP (UMA); the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF); the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK), the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI); and the University of Southern Maine (USM). The System also includes a UMA campus in Bangor, USM campuses in Gorham and Lewiston-Auburn, the University of Maine School of Law, and the University of Maine Graduate and Professional Center.

The UMA Rockland Center was very pleased to present Chelsea Knight (pictured, middle) with the Jean Vedoe Fund Nursing Scholarship from the Rockland Congregational Church.

Chelsea is a senior pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at UMA. On behalf of the Rockland Congregational Church, Susan Baines presented Chelsea with the certificate and a $3,800 scholarship to support her last year of her nursing program.

The UMA Rockland Center is so proud of Chelsea and very thankful to the Rockland Congregational Church and all of their community partners that make a difference in the lives of UMA students!

The Alicia Rae Bessey Memorial Scholarship Fund was established at the Â鶹APP in 2021 with an original gift from family and friends.

This scholarship fund honors the memory of Alicia Rae Bessey and her substantial contributions to the UMA Bangor campus. In general, Alicia was a force for good in everything she did. While she faced mental health struggles throughout her education, she persevered and took life one day at a time, acting as a resource and model for students struggling with similar challenges.

Alicia provided leadership, comradery, and support in a variety of roles including in her work with the UMA Bangor Garden Club, the Student Government Association, TRIO, the People for Positive Action club, and in her general community and campus organizing. Alicia co-founded the inaugural “Rainbows for UMA Bangor” LGBTQIA+ student club and helped evolve this club into a group for students, staff, and faculty as “Rainbows Across UMA.” She was an interdisciplinary major who created her own major in LGBTQ and Sexual Education Advocacy bringing together sociology, psychology, and women’s and gender studies.

Alicia loved animals, gardening, spending time with friends and family at their camp, reading (especially science fiction and fantasy), and playing Pathfinder and Magic the Gathering with her friends in the Table-Top Gaming club. During her time at UMA Bangor, Alicia was awarded the WICCD Student of the Year and twice she was awarded the Bangor Campus Garden Student of the Year. She was also awarded the Liberal Studies A.A. Student of the Year and the Bangor Campus Student of the Year award. Alicia’s memorial contribution lives on at UMA Bangor, in the hearts and minds of her friends and family, and in this scholarship, which we hope will help students like Alicia pursue their passion for social justice through education.

Requirements

Awarded to any UMA Bangor student with a 2.0 minimum GPA who embodies the spirit of Alicia’s perseverance and her commitment to making UMA-Bangor, and the world, a better place.

Applicants are asked to submit a 1 to 2 page, double-spaced essay that speaks to Alicia’s spirit, addressing the following questions: What brought you to UMA-Bangor? What challenges have you faced in your life and education? What are your passions and hobbies? What are your short or long-term goals and how will this scholarship help you to achieve them?

Please submit essays to Sarah Hentges, chair of the Alicia Rae Bessey Memorial Scholarship Committee by March 31st, 2023 (sarah.hentges@maine.edu).

Be sure that your essay includes your name and student ID#. Scholarships will be announced and awarded at the UMA-Bangor Awards Ceremony in April.

On February 10, from 9am to noon, experts will share scholarship search strategies and suggest accessible scholarships to pursue. You will learn from representatives from FAME, Maine Community Foundation, UMA, MEOC, and a panel of successful students who fund their degree completion process by using traditional FAFSA-generated resources, Â鶹APP special scholarships, private scholarships, and even special workforce development funding.