The Promise Scholarship Campaign

Donations now through December 31, 2020 up to $1 million will be matched dollar for dollar!

The University of Southern Maine’s Promise Scholarship Program is a life-changing opportunity for many talented young Mainers who otherwise could not afford to attend college. The program, which welcomed its third cohort of scholars this fall, is more than just a scholarship. It fills the financial aid gap for these first-generation college students and also provides deep, ongoing academic, social, cultural, and community support to help students thrive at USM.

On Thursday, September 24, USM President Cummings announced an unprecedented matching gift challenge to fully endow the Promise Scholarship program to benefit future generations of Maine students with high academic potential but limited financial means. Successfully raising $1,000,000 by December 31, 2020, will generate $1,000,000 in matching funds and help enable USM to endow the Promise Scholarship in perpetuity.

What makes the Promise Scholarship unique? 

• A partnership shared with nearly 30 successful youth service organizations and community college throughout Maine, who identify and refer talented, qualified students to USM as potential Promise Scholars.
• Support provided by a full-time Promise Scholarship Coordinator who serves as an invaluable advisor for all Promise Scholars.
• It allows students to graduate with little or no debt.

Join us today in ensuring that the Promise Scholarship will benefit generations to come. There has never been a better time to double your impact! 

“Being a Promise Scholar means having the privilege of not working a full-time job to pay for my education. It allows me to be an active leader of our community, making changes that lead us to live an equitable life.” 

--Hussein Maow ’22