
The Henry L. P. Schmelzer College Transitions Scholarship Fund was established in 2008 to honor the former president of the Maine Community Foundation. The 2012 scholarship recipients are (left to right): Mark Brunton, Bangor, political science and sociology; Marie Barnes, Ellsworth, pre-veterinary science; Lisa Ciomei, Stonington, history; Jenifer Merrithew, Bangor, psychology and business; and Will Haskell, Ellsworth, English. Photo courtesy of Alan Parks, Director, College Success Programs, University of Maine
The Maine Community Foundation established its first scholarship fund in 1984. Now, through the generosity of individuals, community organizations, and businesses that believe in the importance of education, the community foundation awards more than $1.5 million each year from more than 450 scholarship funds.
Maine Community Foundation scholarships provide financial assistance for Maine residents attending accredited colleges, universities, or technical schools. The funds also support students attending private high schools, camps, and experiential learning programs.
Each scholarship has its own eligibility requirements and review process. Many scholarships are limited to residents of specific counties or graduates of specific high schools. Our directory of scholarships is arranged by type (post-secondary, graduate school, aspirational/non-traditional, and private high school) and by geographic region. Be sure to review all listings that may apply to you and your goals.
To apply for scholarships, please contact the specified organization or guidance office. Some scholarships are managed by the Maine Community Foundation. Applications for these scholarships are available through this website.
The Story Behind the Scholarship
Ever wonder what inspires people to set up scholarship funds? The reasons vary from person to person, and we plan to feature some of their stories.
The first of our Story Behind the Scholarship articles features Mount Desert Island artist, inventor, and philanthropist Les Menard.

The Henry L. P. Schmelzer College Transitions Scholarship Fund was established in 2008 to honor the former president of the Maine Community Foundation. The 2012 scholarship recipients are (left to right): Mark Brunton, Bangor, political science and sociology; Marie Barnes, Ellsworth, pre-veterinary science; Lisa Ciomei, Stonington, history; Jenifer Merrithew, Bangor, psychology and business; and Will Haskell, Ellsworth, English. Photo courtesy of Alan Parks, Director, College Success Programs, University of Maine
The Maine Community Foundation established its first scholarship fund in 1984. Now, through the generosity of individuals, community organizations, and businesses that believe in the importance of education, the community foundation awards more than $1.5 million each year from more than 450 scholarship funds.
Maine Community Foundation scholarships provide financial assistance for Maine residents attending accredited colleges, universities, or technical schools. The funds also support students attending private high schools, camps, and experiential learning programs.
Each scholarship has its own eligibility requirements and review process. Many scholarships are limited to residents of specific counties or graduates of specific high schools. Our directory of scholarships is arranged by type (post-secondary, graduate school, aspirational/non-traditional, and private high school) and by geographic region. Be sure to review all listings that may apply to you and your goals.
To apply for scholarships, please contact the specified organization or guidance office. Some scholarships are managed by the Maine Community Foundation. Applications for these scholarships are available through this website.
The Story Behind the Scholarship
Ever wonder what inspires people to set up scholarship funds? The reasons vary from person to person, and we plan to feature some of their stories.
The first of our Story Behind the Scholarship articles features Mount Desert Island artist, inventor, and philanthropist Les Menard.