HOULTON, Maine — The University of Maine System is offering Osher New Beginnings Scholarships to encourage more Maine people of all ages to give college a try.
The Osher New Beginnings Scholarship was established for those who are first time college students or have not attended college in five or more years and have completed thirty or fewer successful credit hours. An Osher Scholarship will cover the cost of tuition, fees and books for one course. Students do not need to be accepted to a degree program to be eligible to receive an Osher New Beginnings Scholarship.
The scholarship is widely available through University College of the University of Maine System. With eight local Centers in communities across Maine, University College offers students the convenience of staying close to home while studying for a degree, often helping them to balance family and work responsibilities. It has been the ideal solution for adults who hold some college credits, but who left before completing their degree, or those with no college background who now wish to take that step forward.
“Several New Beginnings Scholarships are available at the Houlton Center, it is important that students apply now for the fall semester,” said Tracy Rockwell, Director of University College at Houlton. “To help reduce barriers for first time and returning adult students the application process is quick and easy, and an advisor is here to answer questions and help people get started.”
Derrick Bowman, a carpenter by trade who received an Osher New Beginnings Scholarship, is studying for his bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University College Bath / Brunswick Center. The experience has been exceptional, infusing him with a sense of possibility and purpose.
A family tragedy led Bowman to evaluate his life and seek answers. He began in September of 2015 and is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree to become a mental health practitioner.
“I am getting my feet wet again (in college),” Bowman said, taking the one course. “It has been a while since I have had a goal in my life. I feel like I have a calling and I want to answer it.”
Susan Crosby, a mother who stressed the importance of education to her now adult children, also received an Osher New Beginnings Scholarship. She admits that when she first attended college after high school she was not focused. Now, as a middle aged former stay-at-home Mom who answered the “what’s next” question after a divorce, she knows what she wants her future to be. Earning a college degree is imperative to achieving her life goals.
“Returning to college has been a wonderful experience,” she said. “I have received exceptional guidance from the University College staff, and have been supported every step of the way. My professors are excellent. I highly recommend University College.”
The New Beginnings Scholarship is made possible by a gift made in 2000 from The Bernard Osher Foundation. Since then, thousands of students have received scholarships and have enrolled in university courses. Scholarship recipients benefit from the personalized support of experienced advisors and are encouraged to make use of tutoring services, as well as a variety of skill-development workshops.
For more information about Osher New Beginnings Scholarships, contact University College at Houlton at (207) 521-3100 or visit http://learn.maine.edu/get-started/osher-scholarships/
