FARMINGTON — The University of Maine at Farmington has been awarded $45,000 for its program to engage students in meaningful community-based activities. 

The three-year grant for Partnership for Civic Advancement was awarded by Franklin Savings Bank’s Community Development Foundation.

“We are indeed proud of the considerable accomplishments of the UMF Partnership for Civic Advancement,” UMF President Kathryn A. Foster said. “In addition, we are deeply grateful for the Franklin Savings Bank’s Community Development Foundation’s valued support of the community-university partnerships we have formed to take our students beyond our campus and immerse them in learning experiences that address local, regional, state and global issues under the guidance of their faculty and community mentors.”

The student activities are designed to address community needs and economic and community development priorities with students and faculty to achieve specific learning objectives.

Peter Judkins, president and CEO of Franklin Savings Bank, said, “Franklin Savings Bank is pleased to be able to help provide internship opportunities for young people through the Partnership for Civic Advancement. An internship is an excellent place to test the waters for a career while gaining valuable experience.”

The internship program matches the skills and interests of undergraduate student interns and faculty mentors with the needs of small businesses and community organizations. Students gain valuable work and life experiences and develop the professional, civic and leadership skills they need, while small businesses and community organizations have access to important resources that help them be successful.

Since its launch in 2012, the internship program has grown by more than 300 percent, and new components have been initiated, including volunteerism and leadership training and education.

“This award from the Franklin Savings Bank Community Development Foundation will provide the needed scholarship support to permit our most committed students to work with various community organizations, agencies and businesses to advance the priorities of our community partners, while the students acquire a range of new educational, professional and leadership skills,” said F. Celeste Branham, UMF vice president for student and community services.

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