•
BIDDEFORD, Maine

First group of UNE’s SUCCESS scholars touts benefits of program for Maine high school students interested in STEM

The academic year is now well underway for the first cohort of Maine students who are benefiting from a $620,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) scholarship award to UNE for the purpose of supporting education and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The Maine Mathematics and Science Scholars for School and University Collaboration Centered on Educating STEM students (SUCCESS) program provides four years of scholarship money for as many as twelve students. The award of up to $10,000 per year that each student receives supplements any other scholarship or financial aid that is provided by the University.

Maine high school seniors with demonstrated financial need who plan to major in STEM disciplines are eligible for the SUCCESS scholarships. First-generation students and those from under-represented groups interested in STEM fields are also encouraged to apply.

Being chosen as a SUCCESS scholar carries benefits beyond tuition assistance. The program funds awardees’ participation in UNE’s summer Trailblazers program, in which the students spend a week together on Cow Island—an opportunity that provides the students with an intense bonding experience, which eases the transition to college social life. One SUCCESS student, Biochemistry major Briana Goud, remarked, "I would not be where I am today without the people I have met within our group. Taking a trip together, such as [the one] to Cow Island, is one of the best ways to bring this program together."

In addition, SUCCESS students complete a week long academic "boot camp" just before the start of the fall term. The purpose of the boot camp is to introduce the students to some of their upcoming courses and to acclimate them to the challenges of college coursework. It also includes a significant social component.

Student mentors play a crucial role in the program, tutoring SUCCESS scholars once they land on campus. Scholarship recipient and Marine Science major Liam Kramer-White stated, "Having access to the STEM tutors has definitely helped to support my success at UNE thus far. The tutors are very helpful in all areas of study and very sympathetic to each individual's needs as a student. They genuinely care about your success and don't mind giving up their own time to help."

For more information about the SUCCESS scholarship, contact the UNE Financial Aid Office at 207-602-2342 or visit the website.

The deadline for applications for the class of 2019 is February 1, 2015.

 

 

 

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.