Scholarship Opportunity!
Maine Policy Scholars Program
Do you think Maine’s state government could do better?
If so, the Policy Scholars program may be for you. If selected, you will be paid to work on a policy proposal to address some issue or problem.
You choose your policy focus. The program includes an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with Senator Angus King and people with expertise in your area of interest.
Policy Scholars have investigated a wide range of topics, including HIV/AIDS education in middle and high school, domestic violence, wind power, making homes more energy efficient, school nutrition, campaign finance, clam management, civic education, encouraging students whose parents who have not attended college to go to college, community-supported agriculture, and the nursing shortage.
Students from across the University of Maine System gather with the Maine’s other Policy Scholars to learn about policy research, participate in colloquia, and present their research ideas and findings. Some Policy Scholars have testified to the state legislature about their findings and recommendations.
Maine Public Policy Scholars receive an award of $1500 plus up to $1000 for research expenses and can earn 6 hours of credit. Funding is provided by the Maine Community Foundation
Scholars have met with a variety of people on the front lines of public policy, including directors of community health programs and homeless shelters, school principals and teachers, clam diggers who attend local shellfish management group meetings, bank presidents, activists, judges, teachers, state legislators, and leaders of state agencies.
On our campus, Professor Amy Fried of the Department of Political Science serves as the program’s director and acts as the policy scholar’s primary faculty advisor.
TO APPLY:
Applications can be picked up from the office of the Department of Political Science, 229 North Stevens Hall or can be obtained electronically here (PDF, Word). The Maine Public Policy Scholars program is competitive and open to all University of Maine juniors or seniors in the 2014-2015 academic year.
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 at 4:00 P.M, to the department or electronically to amy.fried@umit.maine.edu (First Class). If you have any questions, contact Professor Amy Fried on First Class.