SMCC receives endowed scholarship fund to support first-responder students

South Portland, ME-Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) is pleased to announce the establishment of the First Responders Scholarship Fund, a generously endowed scholarship for students enrolled in the Emergency Medical Services, Fire Science, or Criminal Justice programs.

With an initial investment of $104,000, the fund includes $100,000 to establish the fund and $4,000 to be awarded in the first year for four scholarships. Priority for these scholarships will be given to students employed by the town of Scarborough in the Fire and Rescue or Police departments, other Maine-resident first responder students, and any other Maine-resident student.

The fund was established by an anonymous couple in gratitude for the consistent support local first responders provide to residents of retirement communities throughout Scarborough.

"We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation and the establishment of the First Responders Scholarship Fund," said Dr. Kristen Miller, president of Southern Maine Community College. "We are proud of our relationships with first responder communities around Maine. Scarborough is near and dear to our hearts, as they were one of the original partners in our Public Safety Student Live-In Collaborative program. This scholarship highlights our continued partnerships."

SMCC's Public Safety Student Live-In Collaborative program offers a unique opportunity for students pursuing a career in fire services. It allows them to live at partner departments across Maine, gaining valuable hands-on experience while completing their degree. This immersive program enhances their education and practical skills in a real-world setting, sparking excitement and eagerness to learn more.

"The Scarborough Fire Department and Police Department are extremely grateful for the opportunity to directly benefit from this thoughtful and generous program, Scarborough Fire Chief Rich Kindelan and Scarborough Police Chief Mark Holmquist said in a joint statement. "The residents of the Town of Scarborough have always been supportive of its Public Safety departments and this is another great example of this."

Visit www.smccME.edu/publicsafetyto learn more about our Public Safety Pathway.

If you would like to contribute to the fund or learn more information about the SMCC Foundation scholarships, please get in touch with the Foundation at (207) 741-5559 or [email protected].