Maine Policy Scholars
Forecasted
The Maine Policy Scholars program from Maine Community Foundation supports UMaine students in researching and recommending solutions to real Maine policy issues through hands-on research and mentorship.
Funder: Maine Community Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027: University of Maine, Farmington | March 2027: University of Maine, Orono | March 2027: University of Maine, Presque Isle
Funding Amounts: $5,000 tuition scholarship, $1,000 research expense reimbursement for students; $1,500 faculty advisor stipend; program runs June–May annually.
Summary: Immersive public policy research and mentorship program for University of Maine System students to address real-world Maine policy issues.
Key Information: Only one student per campus is selected each year; applicants must coordinate with their campus advisor.
Description
The Maine Policy Scholars program, coordinated by the Maine Community Foundation in partnership with the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, provides a unique, hands-on opportunity for University of Maine System students to engage with the public policy process. Each academic year, one student from each of Maine's seven public university campuses is selected to collaborate with a faculty advisor and a community mentor. Scholars conduct rigorous research—including literature reviews, data analysis, and interviews—on a policy issue relevant to Maine, culminating in a policy memo with actionable recommendations for state leaders. The program emphasizes mentorship, real-world impact, and direct engagement with Maine’s accessible policymaking community.
