WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the University of Maine (UMaine) has been awarded $2,496,113 in funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF). This grant will create pathways for recruiting rural students and support the retention and graduation of high-achieving, low-income marine science students with demonstrated financial need at the University.

“The University of Maine helps to inspire and prepare students to become the next generation of leaders in a variety of STEM fields and contribute to Maine’s Blue Economy,” Senators Collins and King said in joint statement. “By supporting scholarships for students who are pursuing bachelor’s degrees in marine science, this federal funding will contribute to our state’s need for well-trained scientists, engineers, and technicians now and in the future.”

Specifically, this project will fund scholarships to 25 full-time students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marine science. This program will also support the advancement of scholars through the establishment of a Scholar Success Mentoring Network, along with optional participation in undergraduate research experiences, professional development workshops, networking opportunities, summer internships, and a variety of cohort-building activities.

The NSF supports research, innovation, and discovery in order to provide a foundation for economic growth in America. Founded in 1950 by an act of Congress, the NSF is an independent federal agency that works to advance the frontiers of science and engineering so that our nation can develop the knowledge and cutting-edge technologies needed to address current and future challenges.

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