Worthington Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Worthington Scholarship Foundation

Description
**Program overview**
The Worthington Scholarship Foundation provides need- and merit-based scholarships to graduates of partnered Maine public high schools who plan to attend participating Maine colleges and universities. Awards support in-state postsecondary study, including certificate programs, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. Scholarships are paid per semester and can total up to $20,000 over a student’s college career.

Key takeaways:
- For Maine high school graduates attending participating Maine colleges
- Supports certificates, associate, and bachelor’s programs
- Paid each semester; maximum aggregate award of $20,000
- Administered by the Worthington Scholarship Foundation

Eligibility
**Who can apply**
To be eligible you must be a Maine resident and a graduating senior from a Worthington Scholarship Foundation (WSF) partner high school with plans for full-time enrollment at a partner college in the fall immediately following graduation. FAFSA submission is required; the Student Aid Index (SAI) must be 30,000 or less. Minimum high school GPA requirements differ by program: a B- (or higher) for four-year scholarships and a C- (or higher) for community college scholarships.

Key takeaways:
- Maine resident and graduating senior at a WSF partner high school
- Must enroll full-time at a partner college the fall after graduation
- FAFSA required; SAI ≤ 30,000
- GPA minimums: B- for four-year awards, C- for community college awards

Award Value
**Payment structure**
Scholarships may total up to $20,000 per student. Scholars at four-year institutions may receive up to $2,500 per semester; scholars attending community colleges may receive up to $1,500 per semester. Community college recipients have the option to transfer to a participating four-year institution and continue receiving support under the program’s rules.

Key takeaways:
- Maximum total award: $20,000
- Four-year colleges: up to $2,500 per semester
- Community colleges: up to $1,500 per semester
- Transfer from community college to a partner four-year school is permitted

Application Process & Timeline
**How to apply**
Applications are submitted through the Foundation’s online portal during the posted application window. The portal includes eligibility confirmation questions and prompts to share background information and essays; most applicants will already have the required documents from their college application process. Applicants are notified of selections at their high school award night or graduation ceremony.

Key takeaways:
- Apply through the WSF online portal before the deadline
- Portal asks eligibility questions plus personal information and essays
- Many required items overlap with standard college application materials
- Award notifications happen at high school award nights or graduation

Renewal and Ongoing Requirements
**Maintaining the scholarship**
Scholarship payments are made each semester and require recipients to meet the Foundation’s ongoing conditions. Recipients must remain enrolled full-time and demonstrate satisfactory academic progress; continued funding is contingent on meeting those semester-by-semester requirements. Students who transfer between partner institutions must notify the Foundation and meet the same renewal standards to keep receiving funds.

Key takeaways:
- Payments are semester-based and conditional
- Must maintain full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress
- Continued funding requires meeting Foundation renewal criteria each term
- Notify the Foundation when transferring between partner institutions

Partner Network
**Participating schools**
Eligibility depends on attending a WSF partner high school and enrolling at a participating Maine college or university. The Foundation maintains a current list of partner high schools and partner colleges; applicants should consult that list to confirm their school’s participation and to verify which postsecondary institutions qualify.

Key takeaways:
- Both high school and college must be in the Foundation’s partner network
- Check the Foundation’s published partner list to confirm eligibility
- Contact the Foundation if you have questions about a school’s status

History of the Award
**Mission and selection principles**
The Worthington Scholarship Foundation awards recognize students by combining financial need and academic merit while striving for geographic and demographic representation across its partner high schools. Selection considers academic interests, life experiences, and the quality of applicants’ essays. Awards are intended to broaden access to in-state postsecondary education and to reflect a cross-section of Maine communities.

Key takeaways:
- Founded to expand access to in-state postsecondary education in Maine
- Selection balances need and merit with attention to representation
- Essays and life experiences are considered in selection decisions
- Awards aim to reflect the diversity of partner high schools and communities