The 8 statewide University College Centers of the University of Maine System awarded the Osher New Beginnings Scholarship to cover the costs of tuition, fees and books for 277 college classes for the Fall 2016 term.

According to Heidi McDonald of University College Learning Services who provides centralized coordination, “This is a new record for Osher New Beginnings Scholarships through University College and represents over $235,000 in funds awarded for just fall.”

The Osher New Beginnings Scholarship is intended to encourage Maine people of all ages to “try” college. The scholarship will cover up to two courses, including textbooks and other materials.

To be eligible potential students must be Maine residents, have earned a high school diploma or equivalent, be a first-time student, or not have attended for at least three years, and have earned fewer than 30 college credits.

According to Director Deborah Meehan of University College at Rockland, “The Osher scholarship provides a relatively simple way to test out the college experience.”  She added, “We find that students who participate through Osher can then have more time to apply for admissions and other forms of financial aid through the FAFSA process and have all pieces in place to continue for the next term.”

Recipients who successfully complete the first courses and who matriculate and enroll at a UMS campus in the next semester are eligible to receive additional Osher funds.

Locally University College at Rockland awarded 57 students taking 97 college classes.  “That’s a record for us,” added Meehan.

University College has a system-wide mission to provide centralized services to students and faculty engaged in online and distance programs offered by the campuses of the University of Maine System. University College operates a Center in Rockland which allows students access to over 100 certificate and degree programs from the University of Maine System. Students access the resources of campuses while studying online or pursuing a mix of online and traditional classroom instruction while staying close to home.

For more information about the Osher New Beginnings Scholarship and the next term which begins in January contact University College at Rockland at 596-6906 or visit its website at www.learn.maine.edu/rockland.