PRESQUE ISLE — This year, the Aroostook Aspirations Initiative will accept 23 college students across The County to the Gauvin Scholar program.
The initiative is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the education, inspiration and leadership of the future generations of Aroostook County youth, especially students who are at risk for completing a college education. The Gauvin Scholarship provides a $1,000 scholarship, renewable for a second year, to at least one student from each of the high schools in Aroostook County to help pay for college expenses. Although preference is given to first-generation college students, Aroostook Aspirations Initiative encourages all students who plan to attend one of the colleges in Aroostook County to apply.
Kristen Wells, AAI executive director, explained, “Every student graduating from a high school in Aroostook County who plans to attend college in Aroostook County should apply for the Gauvin Scholarship. We not only provide them with financial support over their first two years of college, we support their success in education and their desire to live and work in Aroostook County.
“When our students succeed, we all succeed,” Wells said.
The scholarship itself is just part of an effort to help Gauvin Scholars attain a degree in The County. The program includes annual weekends designed to help first-year scholars with their transition from high school to college and second-year students attain professional skills to enter the workforce. Gauvin Scholars also have access to entrepreneurial and leadership trainings, networking opportunities with area leaders, internship opportunities and access to community service.
”It’s a great opportunity to be involved with Aroostook County, meet new people and to have everyone around you be so supportive of the things you do,” stated Courtney Milliard, one of 2015’s scholars.
Stephanie Redman and Stacy Landry, also 2015 scholars, agreed.
”Being a Gauvin scholar is more than gaining a scholarship; it’s gaining a family,” said Redman.
”With it you get the chance to make connections with the community,” said Landry. “You make new friends during the weekend events and AAI is there to help with many questions that you may face during college.”
The Gauvin Scholar application is now closed for this year. After the applications are scored by a volunteer committee made up of educators, professionals and members of the business community, the recipients will be announced. For more information about AAI and the Gauvin Scholar program, visit the website at gauvinfund.org or call 760-0558.
