Aaron Gordon was the first recipient of the Corporal Eugene Cole Scholarship, established to help Somerset County residents pursue careers in law enforcement or public safety.
More than $3.5 million in scholarships from the Maine Community Foundation benefited 923 students during 2021. A majority of the 1,141 scholarships awarded by the community foundation went to students from Maine. MaineCF scholarships help recipients pursue post-secondary education as undergraduates, graduate students or adult learners.
The community foundation now offers scholarships from 680 funds, 69 of which were newly added in 2021. Most MaineCF scholarships are offered statewide or by county. Additional special scholarships support journalism education, Indigenous students and historic preservation studies. The Parsons Scholarship Fund for LGBTQ+ Youth and Allies, new in 2022, will offer scholarships statewide in honor of longtime Portland educator Betsy Parsons.
