Maine College Access Challenge Grant

The Maine College Access Challenge Grant (MCACG) Program is part of a federal program designed to significantly increase the number of underrepresented students who enter and remain in postsecondary education.

To accomplish this purpose, MCACG will focus on three key components:

1. College access and completion services and programs;
2. Competitive grants to organizations providing college access and/or completion services or programs; and
3. Financial assistance for low-income students to cover the cost of a college course or AP test while obtaining a high school diploma or GED.

College Access and Completion

Activities to promote college access and completion include:

• Providing financial education to Maine students and families;
• Participating in financial aid information sessions and workshops;
• Distributing information via paper publications, online and at in-person events;
• Translating financial aid materials for English language learners and their families;
• Providing debt management information to college students, with a focus on at-risk students;
• Participating in the collaborative efforts of a college access network;
• Providing training and professional development opportunities for those involved in activities and services related to increasing access to higher education.
  

Less than 60 percent of all 2011 Maine high school seniors filed the FAFSA by May 1, which is the deadline for the State of Maine Grant. A primary goal of the MCACG program is to increase this percentage to 80 percent by 2015. To help reach this goal, additional emphasis will be placed on FAFSA completion services.  

Competitive Grants

The Maine College Access Challenge Competitive Grants have been awarded for the 2012-2013 cycle.  Below is a list of grant recipients, as well as a brief description of their programs. If you have any questions about the MCACG, please contact Mila Tappan. 

2012-2013 MCACG Recipients

2011-2012 MCACG Recipients 

2010-2011 MCACG Recipients

To be eligible to apply for a competitive grant, organizations must meet the following conditions, as determined by the U.S. Department of Education:

• Be a non-profit organization, such as a high school, college, adult education center or college access program, operating in the state of Maine;
• Have been in existence on or before September 27, 2007; and
• Be participating in activities and services related to increasing access to higher education.

Challenge ME Grants

This grant program is intended for low income students pursuing a high school diploma or GED.  Students may be eligible for a grant to help cover the costs of enrolling in a college course (tuition, fees or books) or taking an AP test.  A high school counselor or adult education advisor must certify eligible students. 

Interested students should contact their school counselor or advisor. School personnel must contact FAME for participation agreement and certification forms.
 

Eligible Maine Students

To be considered eligible for this scholarship, a student must:

• Be pursuing a high school diploma or GED in an eligible Maine school;
• Meet the income eligibility guidelines;
• Be a junior (11th grade) or senior (12th grade) in high school, or an adult high school diploma candidate who has fulfilled at least 75 percent of the credits required or a GED candidate who has passed at least two official GED exams; and
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Eligible Maine Schools

Students must be enrolled in a Maine public high school, approved private secondary school (60% or more publicly funded) or adult education center. 

Income Eligibility Guidelines