Four high school students from Washington and Hancock Counties have been awarded the Davis Maine Scholarship from the Mission. Through a partnership with Andrew Davis and the Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund, the Davis Maine Scholarship ensures first-generation, college-bound students living in the Downeast region of Maine can complete a four-year undergraduate degree without financial burden.
The Scholars receive consistent mentoring and support from Mission staff throughout their last year of high school and all four years of college as well as a fully funded, four-year scholarship at one of three Davis Maine partner colleges: Clark University (MA), University of New England (ME), and Wheaton College (MA). These colleges were selected based on their commitment to supporting first-generation students including those from rural communities.
Davis Maine Scholarship founder Mr. Andrew Davis says, “The selection of a new cohort of scholars is one of the most compelling and hopeful moments in the annual scholarship cycle. Through experience, we know that this model of financial and personal support has a transformative effect on the lives of young people, and I look forward to following the progress of these impressive scholars.”
The class of 2024 Davis Maine Scholars are:
Brisa Ortiz Garcia of Milbridge
Child of Clemencia Ortiz and Leobardo Garcia
The Mission’s President John Zavodny shares, “As the first of my own family to complete college, I know the Davis Maine Scholarship will make an enormous difference in the lives of these college-bound students. We are thrilled to partner with Andrew Davis and the Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund to welcome a new cohort to the program.”
The program draws students from both Narraguagus Jr/Sr High School and Sumner Memorial High School, as well as students enrolled in the one of the eight Washington County high schools that participate in the Bowdoin Upward Bound program.
This is the third cohort of students selected for the Scholarship. The first cohort finished their first year of college this spring. The second cohort graduated high school this June and will start their college career in the fall. Learn more about the Davis Maine Scholarship.