1 of 15

CLASS OF 2026 – MDI HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

2 of 15

LOTS OF INFORMATION

  • Last year over $370,000.00 in scholarships were awarded to our seniors.
    • Renewable
    • 4-year awards
    • 1-year awards

OVER 150 organizations/scholarships

DON’T PANIC – There is also lots of support and help along the way

3 of 15

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SCHOLARSHIPS

  • Traditional 2-year and 4-year program scholarships
  • Trade program awards and scholarships
  • General Scholarships – Awarded with no application
  • Communicate any post graduation plans – there may be some support
  • Don’t hesitate to search on your own – there are lots of other opportunities. But be cautious: Don’t pay for information.

4 of 15

OTHER IMPORTANT PLACES TO CHECK

  • FAME: Maine – Finance Authority of Maine – Lots of information on loans and a search engine for Maine Scholarships
  • Scholarships360.org – complete short survey and give you lots of opportunities
  • Scholarships.com – search by state of Maine
  • Check your college website / opportunities
  • Google other areas/ways/circumstances
  • Stuck-at-Prom

5 of 15

APPLICATIONS

    • Complete and submit online

Online applications

    • Download/print and complete application
    • BE NEAT (Don't scribble out items)
    • Spelling counts!!
    • Don't spell the name of your school wrong

Download/printable applications

    • Town where you reside
    • Major
    • Senior Survey - IMPORTANT!

General awards

NO APPLICATION

6 of 15

IMPORTANT SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION TO HIGHLIGHT

MAINE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION: Opportunities that say: Contact MDIHS Guidance Office (These require no application) these funds are chosen by the MDIHS Scholarship Committee

WORTHINGTON SCHOLARSHIP– There is a link on the guidance spreadsheet – This is an amazing scholarship opportunity for seniors going to a participating Maine College or University

Hattie and Fred C Lynam Scholarship –

on spreadsheet through Bar Harbor Banking & Trust

MDIHS Guidance Web Page

7 of 15

TEAM EFFORT

YOU (Students) are the leader of the team

This benefits you!

This is not your parents' responsibility

Guidance counselors

Teachers/Advisors

Business/Payments Information: Wendy

Application/Transcript Information: Alari

8 of 15

IMPORTANT NOTES & INFORMATION

Check Schoology regularly – lots of import information

Filling out applications – always use black or blue pen

Neatness counts

Answer all questions – Be complete

Follow instructions carefully

Be aware of deadlines/MANY ARE May 1

Keep appointments and meetings

9 of 15

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION – BE ORGANIZED

Communicate with teachers ahead of time

ONLINE: Ask teachers before you fill in application – teachers/counselors get email invites

Paper applications – Give teachers a blank business envelope

(The school does NOT provide blank envelopes)

SAMPLE: ENVELOP

They should know when you need them by and when they return them, they are normally sealed and signed on the envelope to make the ‘official’

KEEP TRACK OF YOUR APPLICATIONS AND LETTERS!!

Recommendation: Wendy Littlefield

For: MDI Trojan Scholarship

From: Megan Rowell, Guidance Counselor

10 of 15

MDIHS AWARD LETTERS

Most award letters will come in June (around graduation)

MDIHS will mail home an award packet – PLEASE OPEN IT and SAVE IT

Many of the letters will have specific guidelines and deadlines for payment

Follow instructions

Be Aware of Dates.

Some awards come in the Fall Semester. Keep track of Renewal Dates.

11 of 15

OTHER AWARD LETTERS

Non MDIHS scholarship award letters vary.

Look for award letters in the mail. Keep track of all award letters!

Be aware of any papers that need to be signed and returned.

Be aware of any requirements or dates to receive awards.

THEY WILL NOT SEEK YOU OUT!!

12 of 15

COMMUNICATION

  • Please communicate any changes
    • Changes in major
    • School choice
    • Deferments
    • Unexpected circumstances

A simple phone call or email can make all the difference

13 of 15

REQUIREMENTS AND PAYMENTS

Payments are made directly to schools (for bookkeeping and tax purposes)

Required for most Scholarships: An official transcript from fall semester and an enrollment verification letter for spring semester must be received by February 15th.

Many scholarships require a minimum GPA to receive the scholarship. Pay attention to the paperwork.

Note: Students may send a transcript below a 2.5 explaining any extenuating circumstances and the committee may adjust accordingly.

14 of 15

ASK QUESTIONS

  • We will be setting up some Flex times to help
  • Talk to your guidance counselor
  • Talk to advisors/teachers
  • Don’t assume anything – Get clarification!!
  • Does anyone have any questions at this time??

15 of 15

CONTACTS�

Alari Sampson

MDIHS Guidance alari.sampson@mdirss.org

288-5046

Wendy Littlefield

MDIHS Office wlittlefield@mdirss.org

288-5011 X3352

Michele Gurtler

MDIHS Guidance mgurtler@mdirss.org

288-5046 x3310

Megan Rowell

MDIHS Guidance megan.rowell@mdirss.org

288-5046 x3311