Machias Savings Bank donates to Aroostook Aspirations Initiative

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Aroostook Aspirations Initiative recently received $5,000 from Machias Savings Bank.
The money will be used to help support infrastructure and expansion as the services grow.
The relatively new initiative has been hailed as an innovative way to support students as they move through post secondary experiences.
“We chose Aroostook Aspirations Initiative because we were really excited about the difference [they] are trying to make for the youth in Aroostook County,” said Larry Barker, bank president.
“The impact on young people due to the mentoring, scholarship and job shadowing programs should make an incredible difference and have a lasting impact on them and their communities,” Barker added.
Program administrators were equally excited to receive funding.
“These monies so graciously donated by Machias Savings Bank will help us further develop our initiative’s goals of assisting Gauvin Scholars as they attain a post-secondary education, encourage them to stay in The County after college graduation, and boost the economy of Aroostook County,” said Sandy Gauvin, AAI president. “This unique initiative is the only scholarship program in Aroostook that engages students throughout their college experience to ensure a successful future.”
April Flagg, AAI executive director, agrees.
“Our program was so thrilled to receive such amazing support from Machias Savings Bank. They are another example of the business community’s excitement and anticipation for this program. Giving support, providing encouragement, and supplying financial hardship funds are just some of the exciting benefits Gauvin Scholars will experience,” she said. “Machias Savings’ donation helps us solidify our foundation, ensuring our program will be around for many more generations of county students.”
Aroostook Aspirations Initiative will select 16 scholars, one from each Aroostook high school, and award each a $1,000 scholarship in 2014.
For more information on AAI, like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter or visit www.guavinfund.org.