The Freeport High School Scholarship Foundation addresses inequities in

post-secondary access among Freeport High School graduates.

The Freeport High School Scholarship Foundation was created to address students’ inequitable access to post-secondary education and training, stemming from the Maine’s widening gap between upper and lower household income levels. Approximately 25% of Freeport High School graduates enter the workforce with only a high school education. Maine’s hallmark industries that formerly could absorb and compensate graduates twenty years ago, have either dissolved, declined, or evolved in terms of the higher education or training they require. In a world demanding more skills to succeed, this group of students is being left behind. Currently, at Freeport High School, 23% of students are living near or below the poverty level. For those students, college or technical school, even with financial aid, can be out of reach.

Building on RSU 5’s very unique spirit of support and volunteerism within the Freeport, Durham, and Pownal communities, the scholarship foundation in conjunction with the Walter & Louise Stetson Scholarship, the Christine Small Cushing Scholarship, and the Theo Ferrara Scholarship has built a $5,000,000 endowment that will support two students up to $5,000 per year for up to four years for 4 year degree pursuit and will award two students up to $4,000 per year for up to 3 years for technical school or training. Selection will be based on financial need. The foundation has also built a support network of community mentors who guide students through their post-secondary college, certificate, or trade school experience.

By offering life-changing opportunities to a select few students with strong potential, but without the means to go on to education or training after high school, we can not only help them, but we can also make their families, and our community stronger.