AUBURN – More than 300 Maine babies under the age of one are expected to converge at the Auburn Mall and the Aroostook Centre Mall in Presque Isle for upcoming “Future Faces of Maine” casting calls.  The casting call events are being held to find fresh Maine baby faces to promote the Harold Alfond College Challenge, a $500 grant for higher education available to all Maine babies up to their first birthday. Casting calls will be held at the Aroostook Centre Mall on June 11 and at the Auburn Mall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 18.

“Casting Calls have proven to be wonderful experiences for babies and their families,” said Elizabeth Vanderweide, program manager for the Harold Alfond College Challenge.  “Not only will families receive a free, professional photograph of their baby, but Casting Calls also provide an opportunity for families who wish to receive help to complete the NextGen account application, which is required in order to receive the $500 Harold Alfond College Challenge Grant.”

The $500 Alfond Grant is available to all Maine babies when a NextGen College Investing Plan account is opened by their first birthday. At the casting calls, Maine babies under the age of one will receive a free professional photograph and may have their picture appear in future Harold Alfond College Challenge promotional materials. 

Casting call events over the past two years have attracted nearly 2,000 Maine babies and assisted in the opening of 1,200 NextGen accounts. There are no income limits and no contributions are required to receive the $500 grant.