Applications Now Open for the Maine Policy Scholars!

The Maine Policy Scholars Scholarship is available for a student to choose a public policy topic of relevance to Maine, to conduct research during the year and to finalize recommendations in the form of a memo to the governor or legislature.

Maine Policy Scholars have investigated a wide range of topics, including college affordability, addiction prevention, wind power, energy efficiency, school nutrition, proficiency-based learning, civic education, habitat conservation, and the nursing shortage.

The seven University of Maine System students in the program learn how to do independent policy research, participate in colloquia, and present their research ideas and findings. Each student works with a community mentor and a faculty advisor. Some Policy Scholars have testified to the Maine Legislature about their findings and recommendations. 

Maine Policy Scholars receive a scholarship of $1500 with up to an additional $1000 for research and expenses.

ELIGIBILITY: The Maine Policy Scholars program is open to students with sophomore or junior standing as of January 2019. Students are involved during the Spring 2019 and Fall 2019 semesters, with the possibility of an additional semester with additional compensation.

OBLIGATIONS: The successful applicant must agree to be involved in a meaningful public policy project during the scholarship year. The student is expected to attend at least three group meetings during the course of the year, two of which involve in-state travel (reimbursed). Scholarship recipients meet regularly with a faculty advisor and a community mentor throughout the year. The scholar will develop a policy memo explaining the problem, research on the problem, and a recommended course of action. The scholar will make a final presentation in Nov., 2019.

APPLICATION AND MORE INFORMATION:

To apply, complete the form below by Friday, November 9th at noon. 

For more information, contact Prof. Amy Fried, amyfried@maine.edu, 581.1797, 115 North Stevens      

Maine Policy Scholars

  • Please provide the name and email address for a professor who can be contacted about your abilities.
  • Accepted file types: doc, docx, pdf, Max. file size: 3 MB.
    2. Provide a 2-page proposal (500-600 words) for the topic you plan to research while receiving this scholarship. You should include the subject that interests you, the aspects of it you would like to research, and why you see it as relevant to Maine. Explain why this topic is worthy of new research. You may include any information about yourself that you believe would be useful to the selection committee (e.g., what experiences do you have with research, writing, knowledge of the topic, any relevant awards or achievements, etc).