Barowsky Scholars

Scholarship Sponsored by The Philanthropic Initiative

If you care about listening well, having civil conversations across difference, and learning how to facilitate, negotiate, and build trust—this scholarship is designed for you. The Barowsky Scholars program supports Maine students who plan to attend a four‑year college and who want to develop the skills to bring people together, even when they disagree.

Program basics
- Funded by the Andrew P. Barowsky Foundation and administered by The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI).
- Open to Maine residents who are U.S. citizens and are graduating from high school (or are recent grads) and will enroll as full‑time, first‑year students in a four‑year, accredited, not‑for‑profit U.S. college or university.

What the award covers
- A renewable, four‑year scholarship that helps cover tuition, fees, and educational expenses.
- Merit‑based: recipients are students who are motivated to excel academically and who show a commitment to bridging divides and improving their communities.
- Annual award amounts range from $3,000 to $25,000 and are set in part based on the financial aid package you receive from the college you choose.

Who should apply / eligibility highlights
- U.S. citizen and current Maine resident.
- High school senior or recent graduate who will enroll full time as a first‑year student in a four‑year degree program at an accredited, not‑for‑profit college or university in the United States.
- Strong high school academic record.
- Demonstrated interest in reasoned, collaborative civic engagement and the ability to work across differences.
- Balanced involvement in school, community, and work activities.

Academic and commitment requirements for recipients
- Before completing college, you must complete: one economics course plus two of the following—accounting, finance, history, or psychology.
- To receive and to renew the scholarship, you must live on campus in housing paid directly to the university (university housing or student‑group housing organized through the university) and attend classes in person.

Important dates
- Application deadline: March 13, 2026 by 12:00 pm.
- Recipients and award amounts announced: by the end of June 2026.
- Scholarships processed and sent to colleges: by the end of July 2026.

If this sounds like you, read the application instructions carefully and make sure you meet the enrollment and coursework commitments before applying.