The Future of Maine Bulldog College Aspirations Scholarship

In 2012, Benton Elementary School and community members recognized the effort and aspirations of 16 Benton Elementary School students with Aspirations Scholarships. Since then, 420 students at Benton Elementary, Clinton Elementary, and Albion Elementary have been earned $100 Bulldog Future of Maine College Aspirations Scholarships.

This community scholarship, offered in partnership with the nonprofit Maine College Circle, recognizes students' aspirations and effort and can be redeemed for college costs, college application and visits, or it can be redeemed at any point before the end of high school to help students pursue their aspirations -- for tools, art supplies, theater camps, sewing machines, equestrian camps, science kits, dinosaur books, cameras, telescopes, cooking supplies, and much more. We very intentionally recognize all educational aspirations beyond high school and we call them all "college." We encourage all students to explore the path that will serve them best and help them pursue their dreams.

We are trying to build a brighter future for all of our youth and their communities. Our experience and research has shown that grades 4 and 5 are the critical and pivotal years for aspirations in rural communities. They won't build a brighter future for themselves unless they aspire to one. We won't build a brighter future for our communities unless we aspire to one.

We hope you will join us by investing the aspirations and education of our youth . . . and their future.