GORHAM – Beginning this fall, income from a $1 million scholarship fund will be dedicated to helping Maine Community College System students continue their educations at the University of Southern Maine.

Leon and Lisa Gorman of Yarmouth established the $1 million USM scholarship fund to help Maine residents earn undergraduate and graduate degrees.

The Gorman Scholars Fund will provide $2,500 scholarships to five full-time USM undergraduate students who transfer from any institution in the Maine Community College System. The scholarships are renewable for up to three years. Current plans call for up to 14 scholarships for community college transfers to be made available as the fund increases in value.

The fund also will award scholarships to students enrolled in a USM graduate program, including one awarded to a student enrolled in USM’s Extended Teacher Education Program.

All Gorman Scholars must be Maine residents who have demonstrated strong academic potential and financial need. Preference will be given to students who want to remain in Maine after completing their education.