PORTLAND — Mainely Character, an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that provides character-based scholarships to exemplary Maine high school seniors, is accepting applications for 2019 graduates planning to attend an accredited post-secondary institution.

Scholarships range from $2,500 to $5,000 and will be awarded based on completed applications and personal interviews.

“The reality we face in Maine is that only half our high school graduates go on to post-secondary education, often for financial reasons,” Curtis Mildner, board chair of Mainely Character said. “That at is one of the lowest rates in the nation and it puts our young people and our state at a disadvantage. We realized that Maine students have so much more to offer than what report cards and athletic records can fully reflect, if only they are given the opportunity — that’s where Mainely Character comes in.”

Since 2000, Mainely Character has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships, funded entirely through private donors and local businesses. As a 501(c)(3) organization run by volunteer staff, Mainely Character strives to minimize administrative costs in order to maximize scholarship awards.

This year’s scholarships are made possible by the support of Mainely Character volunteers and contributing sponsors Biddeford Savings Bank, Machias Savings Bank, Market Decisions Research, and R.M. Davis, Inc.

Online applications must be completed no later than March 1. For program details and to apply, visit www.mainelycharacter.org.


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