Community college grads to compete for Kaplan award

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — NMCC graduates may compete for a full scholarship created by Kaplan University’s Maine campuses as Kaplan works to build the state’s workforce through higher education.
Each of the three Kaplan University campuses in Maine — South Portland, Lewiston and Augusta — will award one full scholarship covering all tuition fees and books to complete a 2+2 bachelor’s degree program in the student’s chosen field of study. In addition, one runner-up from each campus will be awarded a 50 percent scholarship.
“We know Maine lags behind the other New England states in the percentage of its citizens who hold a bachelor’s degree or above; we are making this commitment to help increase the quality of the Maine workforce and to help the state achieve its college attainment goals,” said Dr. Christopher Quinn, president of the Maine campuses of Kaplan University.
Kaplan University offers a wide choice of career-focused bachelor’s degree programs through its ground campuses and its online education division in fields including nursing, information technology and early childhood education. Program offerings vary by location. Scholarship recipients will be able to choose from the full array of options.
“These generous scholarships recognize the talent and drive of Maine’s community college students and will assist our graduates in achieving their goal of a four-year degree,” said Dr. John Fitzsimmons, president of the Maine Community College System. “We are grateful to Kaplan University for making such a meaningful investment in our graduates.”
Applicants must submit an application with an essay discussing her/his pursuit of an associate degree at the community college and how a bachelor’s degree would impact their life, including the achievement of personal and professional goals. Applications are available at CCScholarship.Kaplan University.edu.
Submissions can emailed to ecarrington@kaplan.edu or mailed to the South Portland campus at 265 Western Avenue, South Portland, Maine 04106 and must be received by Wednesday, Aug. 13. Submissions will be reviewed and finalists will be selected by a panel from Kaplan University. Winners will be announced Friday, Aug. 22. For more information, call Bethany Tweed at 221-8704.