Adult Learner Scholarship - Short-Term Credential Award Grant

The Adult Learner Scholarship - Short-Term Credential Award supports nontraditional students in Maine who seek to enhance their education and skills. Designed to alleviate financial burdens, it covers various training programs, including certificates and non-degree courses. With awards ranging from $200 to $1,200, applicants can apply for funding for programs lasting less than a semester. The scholarship encourages financial need assessment and preparation for successful educational pursuits.

Pursuing higher education as an adult – whether for the first time or not – is stressful and full of challenges. The Adult Learner Scholarship is intended to help relieve some of the financial burden of pursuing your goals so you can focus on what is important: school.
Overview
This scholarship is for Maine's nontraditional students who want to change their life for the better through education and training. The scholarship supports a range of training, including attending two- and four-year colleges and universities, completing a certificate and other non-degree programs, or attempting a self-directed learning experience with a clear goal.
Types of awards
MaineCF offers two types of adult learner scholarships, depending on the length of the program.

1. Short-term credential award

Please note the following details about the short-term credential award:
The size of awards will depend on individual needs; most awards range between $200 to $1,200.The short-term award has a rolling deadline and application are considered as they are received. Decisions may take up to two weeks.

Eligibility

You must be a Maine resident. To be defined as a “nontraditional student,” you must also meet ONLY ONE of the following criteria:be over the age of 25 orwork full time (35 hours/week or more) while enrolled orhave dependents other than a spouse orbe financially independent from parents and/or considered independent for FAFSA purposes orhave not received a standard high school diploma (completed with a GED, HiSET, or certificate of completion) orhave delayed enrollment in college after high school for a reason other than a gap-year activity.Applicants may be enrolled full time or part time.Unless the application is for a self-directed learning experience, all programs must be accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation agencyShort-term credential awardApplicants are eligible for a short-term award if the program meets the following criteria:The program lasts less than a full semesterAt the end of the program the applicant will have a certificate or workplace credential, not a degreeThe applicant will not need to renew the award to finish the program.Applications must be submitted by the individual requesting support, not the institution where they are studying.Applicants can apply more than once.The applicant may need to renew the award to finish the programAll awards are intended to cover one semester of study.Applicants will need to apply for renewal for each semester of attendance.

Ineligibility

This award is not renewable.Maine Community Foundation will not fund programs that have already started or will start before a decision is made.Incomplete applications will not be accepted.