NORTHEAST HARBOR, ME — First-generation, college-bound students from Washington County will have an opportunity to pursue undergraduate studies with full scholarships through a new partnership. Starting with the Class of 2023, students in Bowdoin College’s Upward Bound Program are eligible to apply for Maine Seacoast Mission’s Davis Maine Scholarship. This is a full four-year scholarship to one of three partner colleges: Clark University (MA), University of New England (ME), and Wheaton College (MA).
Bowdoin’s Upward Bound Program supports Maine students from low-income backgrounds, including those attending Washington County’s eight high schools as they progress through high school and plan their post-secondary futures. The Washington County high schools included are:
- Calais High School
- East Grand High School
- Jonesport-Beals High School
- Machias Memorial High School
- Narraguagus High School
- Shead High School
- Washington Academy
- Woodland Senior High School
Since 2015 Bowdoin’s Upward Bound Program has supported over 200 Washington County students, with 89% entering college the fall after their high school graduation.
In announcing this partnership, Davis Maine Scholarship Director Christina Griffith said, “This partnership was seeded three years ago through Maine Seacoast Mission’s collaborative work with Narraguagus High School. I am thrilled eligible Bowdoin Upward Bound participants will join Narraguagus and Sumner High School students in applying for this life-changing opportunity. Collaborative partnership is foundational to the Davis Maine Scholarship program and Upward Bound has a record of exemplary student support. This new partnership elevates and deepens our shared belief in, and commitment to, increasing higher education access and success for Downeast students.”
Bowdoin College’s Upward Bound Director Bridget Mullen said, “Whenever trusted organizations aligned in mission can strengthen services and increase opportunities, it’s a big win. With deep roots in Washington County, Upward Bound and Maine Seacoast Mission have demonstrated longstanding commitment to area students. This support from the Davis Maine Scholarship and the Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund makes it possible to provide greater student support after they’ve completed high school and while they’re in college. I’ve been working with Upward Bound in Washington County schools for over 30 years and I couldn’t be happier or more excited for our students.”
Our inaugural cohort of Davis Maine Scholars enters college in Fall 2022.
Maine Seacoast Mission has been committed to the people of Maine’s outer islands and Downeast coastal communities since our founding in 1905. Our mission: Rooted in a history of compassionate service and mutual trust, Maine Seacoast Mission seeks to strengthen coastal and island communities by educating youth, supporting families, and promoting good health.
For more information on the Davis Maine Scholarship, please visit here.