Higher Education

This academic scholarship program assists asylum seekers in earning their associate or bachelor’s degree and helps covers tuition and books at any accredited community college or university in Maine. Students are paired with mentors to help make the most of their college experience.

After completing the application, you will be sent a link to upload the documents. All of the above documents must be received in order for your application to be considered.

Learn more about how to apply for the Prosper Scholarship or our Individual Development Matched Savings for Education or at an Information Session.

PROSPER Scholarship

ProsperityME is proud to announce the opening of our 2026 PROSPER Academic Scholarship Program. Applications will be accepted December 1 through March 31, 2026.

As part of our Academic Scholarship Application you will be asked to submit the following documents:

Proof of Ineligibility for FAFSA (Federal Student Aid): Attach documentation confirming your ineligibility status.
An Essay (250-500 words): Write a personal essay sharing your story, emphasizing qualities like hard work, resourcefulness, perseverance, academic achievements, leadership, and commitment to your community. Ensure your essay is between 250 and 500 words.
2 Letters of Recommendation: Provide two recommendation letters. One from your Guidance Counselor/Academic Advisor or Supervisor (for adult learners), and another from a non-family individual who can attest to your ability to complete a college degree.
Your Résumé: Provide your current résumé. If you do not have one, then please provide a list of your current and previous work, volunteer and activity history.
Your School Transcript: If you are currently studying at a college or university, please include your school transcript for our review.

Please note: Your essay should be in your own words. We want to learn about you. While using Artificial Intelligence might help you in editing, you should not use AI to write your essay. Please use your own thoughts and write in your own voice.

Make college your reality! Having a college degree opens doors of opportunity.

Our Prosper Scholarship or Individual Development Account (IDA) matched savings program could provide the support you need!

Prosper Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

Be a Maine resident.
Plan to enroll or already be enrolled in an accredited Maine community college, a university, or a trade school with plans to pursue a certification or an advanced degree.
Maintain a 2.5 minimum GPA.
Demonstrate financial need and FASFA ineligibility.
Provide proof of a pending asylum status. For example, an Alien Number (A number), or a Work Authorization.
Maintain regular communication with the scholarship coordinator and ProsperityME.
Must attend class or will be responsible for payment.
All checks will be invoiced to the institution directly.
The PROSPER scholarship does not cover healthcare insurance.
Scholarships are non-transferable to another institution unless authorized by ProsperityME.
Candidates cannot be ProsperityME employees or board members.

Additional guidelines specific to professional training scholarship:

The application is open all year round. These requests are reviewed quarterly.
Must provide your résumé.
Must provide 3 most recent pay stubs.
Must provide your tax returns.
The institution of your choice must be accredited and in Maine.

If eligibility and communication are not maintained, ProsperityME may stop funding at any time.

Individual Development Accounts – Education Path

The Individual Development Accounts (IDA) program is a matched savings initiative designed to help immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers invest in their education. For every dollar you save, the program contributes an additional dollar, up to $5,000. This support makes it easier for newcomers at or below 100% of the area median income to pursue higher education, professional training, or certifications that advance their career goals

Be at least 18 years old
Live in Maine
First-generation immigrant
Income at or below 100% of Area Median Income
identify as a member of the BIPOC community,
Complete our Basic Money Management course

Your Path Towards Success:

Save toward tuition, books, or approved educational expenses
Receive a 1:1 match on your savings up to $5,000
Gain financial skills and guidance through our education-focused support
School must be in Maine

For more information, Email [email protected]

Questions About Scholarship Opportunities?

Applications for the academic scholarship are accepted between December – March. Applications will be reviewed in April and qualified finalists will be notified in May. Requests for assistance with vocational programs or professional certificates and recertification will be reviewed quarterly.

We are proud to celebrate our 2025 PROSPER Scholarship recipients, who are pursuing diverse fields of study at colleges throughout Maine:

CMCC, Electromechanics
USM, Business Analytics
USM, Human Biology
University of Maine Orono – Biology & Chemistry
SMCC, Cybersecurity
SMCC, Health Sciences
CMCC, Medical Coding
Maine College of Health Professionals, Nursing
USMC Cybersecurity
SMCC, Information Technology
YCCC, Business
SMCC, Health Sciences