The Worthington Scholarship Foundation has awarded 215 college scholarships this year totaling $3.4 million to students throughout the Midcoast and Down East.

The Foundation, based in Rockland, provides one of the largest scholarships in the state, totaling up to $16,500 for four-year students and $1,500 per semester for community college students. Aside from funding, the foundation also provides ongoing staff support to their student scholars to ensure they succeed.

“Our scholars have overcome various personal challenges in their lives to recognize the importance of obtaining a quality education for their future,” says Justin Chenette, the foundation’s program director, in a news release. “They are staying in Maine due to our scholarship and we are excited to support the next generation achieve a solid foundation of success.”

Over 35% of their new, incoming scholars are first generation college students and all of their scholarships are awarded based on financial need and GPA, according to the Foundation.

Scholars come from 23 high schools throughout Knox, Waldo, Lincoln, Hancock, and Washington counties and attend college at the University of Maine or Maine community college systems, Maine Maritime Academy, Husson University, Thomas, Bates, Colby or Bowdoin College.

Next year, the foundation will expand to six additional counties of Oxford, Somerset, Piscataquis, Penobscot, Franklin, and Sagadahoc. 

For the full list of new scholars, visit www.worthingtonscholars.org and find their news release under the “News” heading.