Gifts to Pathway to Employment Scholarship contribute to...
The ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program at the University of Southern Maine teaches students from around the globe the academic and professional English they need to reach their goals. Small classes and rigorous coursework prepare students to enter undergraduate and graduate degree programs as well as exciting careers. Past course participants have successfully gone on to Associates Degree and Bachelors Degree programs, law school, pharmacy school, and other graduate programs; they have pursued local careers in business, finance, public service, education, and medical fields; and others have established thriving small businesses.
The Pathway to Employment Scholarship (PES) fund was founded in 2019 via a generous community gift to the University of Maine Foundation. This scholarship provides access to academic and professionally-focused English language coursework to individuals from traditionally underrepresented populations, first-generation college students, and students with diverse backgrounds. It expands educational opportunities for recent immigrants and refugees and other multilingual learners who are living in Maine to attend English courses geared for academic study and workforce preparation.
Every Pathway to Employment Scholarship that we award allows a student to take a step toward reaching his or her career objectives. Past recipients of the PES funds have told us how this scholarship has positively impacted their pursuit of a fulfilling career.
Here are a few words from past recipients:
"As soon as I took classes, a magical transformation happened: from my English entry level, I have been able to read a book with critical thinking. The ESL program has helped not only to improve my academic English, but also it has given back my taste of learning."
"The ESOL/APP program of University of Southern Maine has helped me to accelerate my personal and professional development. Moreover, it has enabled me to enhance my English skills and to increase confidence. Furthermore, I made remarkable improvements in my writing and speaking skills because of the solid knowledge I have acquired through this important program."
