Next Step awards funds
Local workers reap benefits
PRESQUE ISLE — Two employees of The Aroostook Medical Center in Presque Isle have received Next Step Maine scholarships to continue their education.
Ashley Belmain of Washburn, a health information documentation specialist in medical records, and Tracey Whitten of Caribou, nursing supervisor at TAMC’s A.R. Gould Hospital in Presque Isle, are currently taking college courses to complete their degrees. The two were nominated by the hospital for Employee of Promise scholarships because of their outstanding commitment to balancing work and family, and their passion to complete their degrees.
Next Step Maine is a free statewide initiative that awards funds to Maine employees who are currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree or certificate. The program recently awarded $35,600 in scholarships to Maine residents.
The recipients were selected from 40 applicants from a variety of Maine companies and educational institutions. Next Step Maine is part of the Maine Development Foundation (MDF), a private, non-partisan membership organization that drives sustainable, long-term economic growth for the state of Maine. MDF’s strategic focus is a productive workforce.
The scholarship recipients, their employers and family members were recognized at a special breakfast awards ceremony in June at the Senator Inn and Spa in Augusta.
“We are extremely pleased with the progress the Next Step Maine program is making to help Maine’s workforce continue with their education and training,” said Yellow Breen, MDF president. “There were double the number of applicants compared to last year and overall we raised $35,600 for scholarship funds, which is double from last year, as well.”
Scholarships are available for employees of Next Step Maine employers — committed employers who have joined a no-cost statewide initiative to advance the educational attainment of Maine’s workforce. Next Step Maine received donations and grant support from Bangor Savings Bank, Cianbro, Maine Chapter Association for Talent Development, Maine Community Foundation, Nellie Mae Education Foundation, Pratt & Whitney, Renys, Saint Joseph’s College, and SHRM Maine State Council.
Since 2013, the Next Step Maine program has contributed more than $63,900 in scholarships and helped more than 50 Maine employees attain advanced education in their field. The goal of the Next Step Maine scholarship program is to support and recognize working adults who are going to school while managing jobs, families, and other responsibilities.
For further information, visit nextstepmaine.org.
