ROCKLAND — The Worthington Scholarship Foundation, with a mission to support post-secondary education in Maine, has hired Jay McIntire, of Winslow, as program director, and Kerry Hadley, of Owls Head, as communications specialist and college mentor.

McIntire joins the foundation with experience in education, including teaching, university instructor, researcher, administrator, and federal lobbyist. He is also an experienced author and presenter. His teaching specialties include students with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.

McIntire’s education includes a B.A. from UMaine, MS from Lesley College, and advanced studies at the University of Virginia and UMaine.

Hadley has been the face of the Camden Opera House for 16 years. Her previous experience includes serving as executive director at the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce and public relations at Ketchum Communications, NYC.  

“Kerry’s focus throughout her career has been to successfully grow small companies while enhancing program quality,” said Rick Bedigian, executive director, in a news release. “Having Jay and Kerry on board will advance our goal to continue to grow our programs state-wide.”

The Worthington Scholarship Foundation provides one of the largest scholarships in the state of Maine, totaling up to $16,000 per student over four years, according to the release.

This year, the Foundation will award more than $700,000 to a total of 170 students. In 2019 awards will increase by another $400,000 to $1.1 million as high school students in Waldo County begin receiving scholarships.

Worthington Scholarships began in 2010 with awards to graduates of Oceanside High School.  In 2019, six high schools will receive scholarships including Medomak Valley, Camden Hills, Mt. View, Belfast District High and Searsport District high schools.   

Recipients may attend any campus of the University of Maine or Maine community college system, Maine Maritime Academy, Husson University, Thomas, Bates, Colby or Bowdoin colleges.   

Future goals are to continue to grow the number of students in coastal Maine receiving scholarships. Expansion into Washington and Hancock counties is being explored.

David Worthington, founder, said in the release: “we are excited to have these dedicated and talented people representing the foundation, joining the enthusiasm of the high schools we partner with to support our Maine students. We are also grateful for our relationship with the Maine Community Foundation, who work with us to administer these scholarships. Both Bev and I are First Generation college graduates. Our wish is to pay back the support we received and provide every opportunity for Maine students who wish to obtain a degree to do so without incurring a large amount of debt.”

The WSF is unique in that it not only provides funding but also mentoring services, according to the release. This includes regular student check ins by Foundation staff to offer support, emergency funds, special networking events and more.

FMI see www.worthingtonscholars.org; www.mainecf.org or visit the Worthington Scholarship Foundation Facebook site.