Overview: The Mitchell Scholarship Program
The Mitchell Scholarships were established in 1994 by U.S. Senator George J. Mitchell. One of Senator Mitchell's highest priorities is to expand and improve opportunities for the education of young people in Maine. The Mitchell Institute awards a scholarship to a graduating senior from every public high school in Maine. Beginning with the class of 2006, the scholarship award is in the amount of up to $5,000 for students who are pursuing a four-year degree and $2,500 for students pursuing a two-year degree — (i.e., $1,250 for each year of school.) One scholarship per county in the amount of $6,000 ($1,500 per year) is awarded with a preference to a first-generation college student.
The focus of the Mitchell Institute has always been, and continues to be, Maine students attending Maine colleges and universities. In an effort to help as many Maine students as possible obtain a higher education, the Mitchell Institute has some scholarships available for Maine students planning to attend college out of state.
Criteria for the scholarship are: academic performance/potential, a record of community service, and financial need. Each applicant must be a legal resident of Maine and must plan to attend a four-year or two-year degree program at an accredited college or university. He or she must also be a graduating senior from a public high school in Maine. Applicants must be planning to enter their first year of college in September of the year of their application for the scholarship.
The Mitchell Institute seeks to award the Mitchell Scholarship to students for whom the money and support programs offered by the organization will make the most difference.