Beginning this Friday, February 10, the Maine Seacoast Mission is accepting applications to its Scholarships program for the 2023-2024 academic year. Applications will be accepted until Friday, March 17.

Since 1918, the Mission has awarded almost $3 million to more than 3,500 deserving students from Maine’s outer islands and Downeast coastal communities, including Matinicus, Monhegan, Isle au Haut, Frenchboro, Swan’s Island, Great Cranberry, and Islesford, and some services to Vinalhaven, North Haven, Islesboro, and the Casco Bay islands.

In 2022, the 77 Scholars received $208,625 in scholarships, 74% of those students attend college in Maine and half go to a University of Maine campus or a Maine Community College. Each year, around 25 scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors including the EdGE Scholarship, which is awarded to students who have participated in the Mission’s EdGE program for at least five years and have served as a volunteer and/or high school staff member for EdGE, and the Angus MacDonald Scholarship, which is awarded to an exceptional high school graduate demonstrating superior academic achievement, leadership skills, integrity, and commitment to the community. 

Mission Scholarships supports post-secondary aspirations of students interested in attending a trade, technical, two-, or four-year colleges. 

“The program uniquely honors the multitude of pathways an individual can take to achieve their dreams,” said Post-Secondary Education Director Dakin Hewlett, in a news release. 

Mission Scholarships are open to individuals who graduate from an accredited public and independent high school living in Hancock or Washington counties or on outer islands the Mission serves.

For more information or to apply, visit https://seacoastmission.org/downeast/scholarships/. For inquiries, contact Scholarships Program Coordinator Wendy Harrington at wharrington@seacoastmission.org or call (207) 546-5870.

Rooted in a history of compassionate service and mutual trust, Maine Seacoast Mission seeks to strengthen coastal and island communities by educating youth, supporting families, and promoting good health. For more information, please visit https://www.seacoastmission.org/