Student Guidance
Kayla Higgins
Ecology Learning Center
Guidance Counselor & Dean of Students
kayla.higgins@ecologylearningcenter.org
207-948-3520
The Ecology Learning Center's Student Guidance is holistically focused on the individual, the circumstances, and the bigger picture - we hold Restorative Justice values through all of our student support. We hope that this page further directs and offers resources. If you are looking for anything additional, please do not hesitate to call.
Crisis
Maine Crisis Line (MCL): 711 or 888-568-1112
Reporting Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (DHHS): 1-800-452-1999
Statewide Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Hotline (Silent No More): 1-800-871-7741
Domestic Abuse & Dating Violence Helpline (New Hope Midcoast): 1-800-522-3304
Homelessness
Support for youth and families (New Beginnings): 207-795-4070
Maine Department of Education McKinney-Vento homeless student services
Maine Department of Education Homeless Specialist is Susan Lieberman: 207-747-9059
Ecology Learning Center Liaison is Kayla Higgins: 207-948-3520
Suicide Help Line
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - helpline: 1-800-950-6264
Suicide & Crisis Line: 988 (call or text) or chat 988lifeline.org
LGBTQIA+
OUT Maine - helpline: 1-800-530-6997
Eating Disorders
National Eating Disorder Association - helpline: 1-800-931-2237 (text: 1-800-931-2237)
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College Preparedness
Financial Resources
Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) helps families afford college through financial planning tools and programs.
Alfond Scholarship Foundation offers resources and explanations of key terms and concepts.
Federal Student Aid provides resources on how financial aid, types of aid, and ways to estimate your aid.
CollegeBoard Big Future provides support for exploring careers, planning for and paying for college, as well as resources for parents.
College Visits
College Fairs Online: Register for online college fairs and be entered to win $300 every time you ask a question and/or fill out an information request form.
Loper: A tinder-like app to help select schools to apply to.
Big Future Scholarship - $500 or $40,000 scholarships for those who take the steps listed to qualify (beginning your Junior year). See here for more information.
Mainely Character Scholarships - a scholarship based on character rather than "academic achievement, athletic prowess, musical ability, artistic talent or financial need." Applications due March 1st. See here for more information.
Barowsky Scholarship - scholarships for Maine students who are attending 4-year colleges for their bachelor's degree. Applications due March 15th. See here for more information.
The Maine Municipal Association (MMA) - $1,000 scholarship for Maine high school seniors planning to enter post-secondary education in Maine to pursue a career in municipal government or public service! Applications open annually on January 1 and are due March 31. See here for more information.
Mitchell Scholarship - $10,000 (in four $2,500 installments) scholarship for Maine students to attend two- and four-year degree programs at colleges both in and beyond Maine. Applications due April 1st. See here for more information.
Richard H. Pierce Memorial Scholarship - $5,000 per year is awarded to high school seniors based on merit and financial need, "with the goal of assisting students who might not otherwise continue their post-secondary education without the financial assistance." Applications are open January 1st through April 1st. See here for more information.
Worthington Scholarship Foundation - $1,500 per semester community college scholarship OR $2,125 per semester for 4-year college scholarship for Maine high school seniors with expected family contribution of $15,000 or less and acceptance to one of their partnered Maine colleges. Applications open January 1st and are due April 15th. See here for a list of partner colleges and additional information.
Thomas LoCasale Developing Character through Golf Scholarship - Any high school senior who plays golf may apply for this scholarship. Candidates who will be a first-generation college student or identify as an underrepresented minority are highly encouraged to apply. Applications due April 26th, 2023. See here for more information.
ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship - ScholarshipOwl is your source of relief from the dreaded application process. We put students on the fast-track to success by providing direct access to the scholarships they need the most. Take the hassle out of financial aid and maximize your chance at a free ride in college. No matter how much funding you need for school, we have the opportunities you're looking for. Application due April 29th, 2023. See here for more information.
Husband and Wife Law Team Scholarship - The Husband & Wife Law Team Scholarship is not only our way to give back to exceptional students in the 2022-2023 school year, but also to stress the importance of higher education and students being able to follow their dream career path after high school. With college-aged children of their own, Principal attorneys Mark and Alexis Breyer are well aware of the costs associated with a post-secondary education these days. That is why the firm is proud to offer a scholarship award to two deserving applicants, to help pay a portion of the winner’s upcoming college costs. Keep reading to learn more about this exciting opportunity! Application due April 29th, 2023. See here for more information.
Niche 2K No Essay Scholarship - Niche is the market leader in connecting colleges and schools with students and families. With in-depth profiles on every school and college in America, over 140 million reviews and ratings, and powerful search and data tools, Niche helps millions of students and families find and enroll in the right school for them. Application due April 30th, 2023. See here for more information.
SP Scholarship - The SP College Scholarship program was created to help students win scholarships without the hassle of filling out paper applications and writing dozens of essays. Application due April 30th, 2023. See here for more information.
Anthony's Scholarship - Mr. Fisher has established a scholarship in the amount of $2,000 to a student who is interested in preventing suicide and supporting mental health. Applicants should discuss how legislation addressing U.S. health care and/or access to firearms could help prevent suicide. Applications are due April 30th, 2023. See here for more information.
Nitro Scholarship - Application due April 30th, 2023. See here for more information.
John Fischetti Scholarship - Competitive applicants must be of 50% or more of Italian ancestry, pursuing a degree in journalism or communications, have demonstrated academic achievement, and a resident of Illinois. Scholarship recipients are selected based on their Italian heritage, academic achievement, involvement in school and non-school activities, and the quality of their JCCIA John Fischetti Scholarship application. Applicants must submit proof of being admitted to and/or enrolled at an accredited institution of higher education. Applications are due April 30th, 2023. See here for more information.
Education Matters Scholarship - We’re asking students to use their own personal experiences to discuss both the issues and the successes in the American education system. Students should also detail realistic ways in which the education system could be improved and why those improvements would be beneficial to people across the country. The scholarship winner will be chosen based on the criteria outlined below and will be awarded $1,000 to go towards their higher education. Application due April 30th, 2023. See here for more information.
Be Bold Scholarship - The "Be Bold" Scholarship is a no-essay scholarship that will be awarded to the applicant with the boldest profile. It takes less than 2 minutes to apply. See here for more information. Applications are due May 1st, 2023.
Rover Scholarship - Rover.com connects pet parents with the nation’s largest network of loving and trustworthy pet sitters and dog walkers. Discover, book, and manage personalized care for your dogs including pet sitting, dog walking, in-home dog boarding, and doggy day care. Founded on the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the unconditional love of a dog, Rover improves and simplifies life for pet parents and the dogs they love. Applications are due May 1st, 2023. See here for more information.
Photographer.org Scholarship - Photographer.org is a Modern Photography Organization that helps people find local photographers near me. The Photographer.org Academic Scholarships are annual $1,000 scholarships to be used to help pay tuition and academic expenses to an accredited non-profit college/university or vocational/technical school in the United States. Applications are due May 1st, 2023. See here for more information.
American Angus Auxiliary Scholarship - The American Angus Auxiliary scholarships are presented annually. The total amount awarded will vary. Ten (10) scholarships will be awarded. The exact amount of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth place awards given to both male and female qualified applicants will be determined by May 1, 2023. Scholarships may be defined as financial grants for which no equivalent work is required. Application due May 1st, 2023. See here for more information.
Ashoori Law Good Deeds Scholarship - To help a college student pay for their tuition or other expenses. Application due May 1st, 2023. See here for more information.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Scholarship - The Thermo Fisher Scientific Antibody Scholarship Program will award scholarships to eligible life science students, to be used for the 2023–2024 academic year. Applications are due May 2nd, 2023. See here for more information.
Jake Thomas Williams Memorial Scholarship - Jake Thomas Williams passed away too soon after taking his own life in 2020. Mental health services and suicide prevention are vital fields that can save thousands of lives every year. Around 1 in 5 adults in the US experience mental illness and 1 in 20 experience serious mental illness. Mental health struggles can start early, making suicide the 2nd-highest cause of death among Americans between the ages of 10-34. This scholarship seeks to honor Jake Thomas Williams' life by providing support to students who want to make a difference in mental health and suicide prevention. Any high school senior interested in studying social work, therapy, or psychology and hoping to work in mental health or suicide prevention may apply for this scholarship. Applications due May 12th, 2023. See here for more information.
NAGE Scholarship - Applicants for the lottery drawing scholarships must be planning to attend or already be attending a two- or four-year college, graduate school, trade or technical school to be eligible. Scholarships are available to members of NAGE, IBPO, IBCO, NAGE EMS and IAEP, and the member's spouse, child, step-child, grandchild, niece, nephew, or significant other. The application takes about 3 minutes to complete. Applications due May 13th, 2023. See here for more information.
Trotter Scholarship - Opportunities for Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry, Hospitality & Management and Agriculture students.15th. Applications are due May 15th, 2023. See here for more information.
SEE Education Foundation Scholarship - To be eligible, students must be, or plan to be, pursuing a technical, undergraduate, graduate or doctorate degree in a field related to the commercial explosives industries. Students will be assessed on academic and professional achievements, industry goals, a personal challenges narrative and a brief statement of financial need.The SEE Foundation Scholarship Committee will award scholarships ranging from $500 USD to a top award in excess of $5,000 USD to well-qualified students. Applications due May 15th, 2023. See here for more information.
Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest - The Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest is open to all students attending 9th through 12th grades in public, parochial or private schools; or home-school students studying at the same grade levels. The preliminary rounds of the contest begin at the local chapter level; students have the opportunity to advance to the state or national levels where scholarships and cash prizes are awarded. The hope is that the contest will continue to expand on all levels and bring the voices of young patriots to greater light across the entire nation. Submissions due May 15th, 2023. See here for more information.
Acker Warren Fresh Start Scholarship - The Acker Warren P.C. law firm has dedicated our practice to helping people get a fresh start for themselves and their families. Acker Warren hopes to help first-time college freshmen to find a fresh start, too. They understand that education is expensive, and hope that the Acker Warren Fresh Start Scholarship helps students get one step closer to achieving their goals. Applications due May 23rd, 2023. See here for more information.
Young Women in STEM Scholarship - The Young Women in STEM Scholarship looks to encourage the future generation of women in STEM fields, especially those coming from low-income backgrounds. Female high school seniors and undergraduate students that are from a low-income household and are pursuing a degree in STEM can apply. Applications due May 23rd, 2023. See here for more information.
Beans for Brains Scholarship - Beans for Brains scholarship is open to all students with a 3.0 GPA and higher who know how to knit, crochet, and/or weave while attending an approved accredited institution of higher education during the 2023-2024 academic school year. This means any graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduates, and professional school students who major in any course are eligible! Applications due May 24th, 2023. See here for more information.
Humanity Scholarship - We are seeking bright minds with a desire to heighten national awareness via our social media campaign to end the dehumanizing forces of human trafficking and child exploitation. Application due May 31st, 2023. See here for more information.
SILA Foundation Scholarship - Between April 1st-May 31st each year, the Securities and Insurance Licensing Association Foundation, Inc. (SILA Foundation, Inc.) is proud to offer the availability of twelve one thousand dollar ($1000.00) scholarships to students focused on careers in the insurance and securities industry for use at any accredited post-secondary college or university within the continental United States. Application due May 31st, 2023. See here for more information.
Full Circle Scholarship - The American Indian College Fund provides scholarships to American Indian and Alaska Native college students enrolled in certificate, undergraduate, or graduate program at tribal colleges and other nonprofit, accredited schools. Application due May 31st, 2023. See here for more information.
AuthenticID Scholarship - Seeking bright minds with a desire to heighten national awareness via their social media campaign to end the dehumanizing forces of human trafficking and child exploitation. Applications due May 31st, 2023. See here for more information.
Honor a Hero Scholarship - The scholarship is open to any current high school senior, college student, or graduate student who is a legal resident of the United States residing in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia for the 2023 semester. Applications due May 31st, 2023. See here for more information.
Association on American Indian Affairs Scholarship - The Association on American Indian Affairs has been providing Native American student scholarships since 1947 and provides scholarships to undergraduate and graduate Native American students who are citizens of their Tribal Nation – whether or not their Nation is recognized by the federal government. Applications due May 31st, 2023. See here for more information.
Joe Francis Haircare/Cosmetology Scholarship - To be considered, an applicant must be currently applying for entrance into Cosmetology/Barber School, OR actively enrolled in a Cosmetology/Barber program. Application due June 1st, 2023. See here for more information.
Girls Impact the World Scholarship - The ConnectHER Film Festival is an international youth competition that welcomes short films about issues that impact women and girls. Before making a film for submission, please read all of the entry requirements. Application due June 1st, 2023. See here for more information.
Cancer Support Scholarship - Created by the Lep Foundation for Youth Education for students diagnosed with cancer (a public charity providing financial assistance to survivors of childhood & adolescent cancers seeking to further their education). Application due June 1st, 2023. See here for more information.
Jimmy A. Young Memorial Award - The American Respiratory Care Foundation may award up to $1,000 in memory of Jimmy A. Young, past president of the AARC, who personally contributed greatly to respiratory care education. The foundation prefers that nominations be made by a representative of the school or an accredited respiratory training program, however, any student may initiate a request for sponsorship in order that a deserving candidate is not denied the opportunity to compete simply because the school does not initiate the application. Preference will be given to nominees of minority origin. This award consists a certificate of recognition, coach airfare, one night's lodging, and registration for the AARC Congress. Application due June 1st, 2023. See here for more information.
Exceptional Nurse Scholarship - ExceptionalNurse.com awards scholarships of $250.00-$500.00 to qualified students with disabilities to continue their education in a nursing education program. Preference is given to undergraduate students. Applicants must demonstrate a serious commitment to the academic study of nursing and career excellence. This scholarship is not renewable and will only be awarded once. Application due June 1st, 2023. See here for more information.
Stuck at Prom Scholarship - We’re giving away $20,000 in cash scholarships to high school students who make the best prom attire out of Duck Brand duct tape. So, stock up on your favorite colors and prints now to create something that will wow our judges! Application due June 7th, 2023. See here for more information.
Richard Neumann Scholarship - To apply, tell us about something you’ve created to solve a problem as well as how you would go about solving another problem if you had the necessary resources. Application due June 10th, 2023. See here for more information.
Rising Scientists Award - The Rising Scientist Awards, presented in partnership with Hunter College, are given annually to outstanding high school students who show exceptional promise in research areas related to mental health. The 2023 awards will be presented at our annual On the Shoulders of Giants scientific symposium on October 12, 2023. Application due June 9th, 2023. See here for more information.
Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest - The 12th annual Ocean Awareness Contest is a platform for young people to learn about environmental issues through art-making and creative communication, explore their relationship to a changing world, and become advocates for positive change. Students ages 11-18 from around the world are invited to participate. Application due June 13th, 2023. See here for more information.
FMAA Scholarship Program - The FMAA Scholarship Program is an annual program offering college scholarships to graduating high school seniors who have thoughtfully and creatively shared what the American flag means to them through original videos. Application due June 15th, 2023. See here for more information.
Helen Gee Chin Scholarship - The Helen Gee Chin Scholarship Foundation was founded on March 7, 2011, to honor the memory of Helen Gee Chin, wife of Sifu Chin of Calvin Chin’s Martial Arts Academy, Inc. Simo was the administrator at CCMAA for 15 years and was involved with preserving the history and promoting the practice of traditional Chinese martial arts. She was beloved by her husband, the students of the Academy that she ran with him, and by the martial arts community as a whole. The Foundation is offering college scholarships to encourage academic achievement and motivate individuals to become serious students of the Chinese martial arts. Application due June 15th, 2023. See here for more information.
Isaac Yunhu Lee Memorial Arts Scholarship - Being an artist can take on many different forms, and humans are unique in their ability to create original ideas and art that contributes something to the world. The Isaac Lee Memorial Arts Scholarship looks to provide funding to a student taking the next step in their artistic journey by going to art school. Application due June 15th, 2023. See here for more information.
AmericanMuscle Student Scholarship Program - We are offering 2 currently enrolled students or high school seniors who are pursuing post-secondary education an opportunity to be awarded $2,500 in tuition assistance towards their upcoming semester! This scholarship is ongoing and will be available for both the spring and fall semesters each year. Application due June 15th, 2023. See here for more information.
Breakthrough Junior Challenge - The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is an annual global competition for students to inspire creative thinking about science. Students ages 13 to 18 from countries across the globe are invited to create and submit original videos (2:00 minutes in length maximum) that bring to life a concept or theory in the life sciences, physics or mathematics. Application due June 25th, 2023. See here for more information.
FAITH Scholarships for Academic Excellence - Each year since its inception in 2004, FAITH celebrates the academic achievements of young leaders within the Greek and Hellenic American community by awarding merit-based scholarships to some of the community’s most promising graduating high school seniors from across the country. Recipients of the FAITH Scholarship for Academic Excellence join a network of more than 750 existing FAITH Scholars who display the exceptional scholarly intellect lauded by our Hellenic ancestors and also, a magnificent spirit of charity, community service and good citizenship which is at the very core of our Orthodox Christian values. Application due June 30th, 2023. See here for more information.
Illustrators of the Future Scholarship - The Contest has four quarters, beginning on October 1, January 1, April 1, and July 1. The year will end on September 30. To be eligible for judging in its quarter, an entry must be postmarked or received electronically no later than midnight on the last day of the quarter. Late entries will be included in the following quarter and the Contest Administration will so notify the entrant. Application due June 30th, 2023. See here for more information.
Geoscience IDEA Scholarship - The scholarship provides up to $5000 (USD) in awards, annually, typically split between two or more undergraduate students, and matches them with AWG mentors to enhance their careers. It also includes a one-year, sponsored, AWG student membership. Students will have the opportunity to develop close relationships with their mentors, contacting them to discuss ideas, obtain advice or guidance for a variety of Geoscience career paths. Application due June 30th, 2023. See here for more information.
Navigate Your Future Scholarship - The Navigate Your Future Scholarship is offered to a high school graduate continuing his or her education in the aviation industry. By making scholarships available, NATF's goal is to foster and promote careers in the general aviation industry. Application due June 30th, 2023. See here for more information.
Women in Trades Scholarship - TransAlta is committed to investing in our communities through meaningful contributions and enhancing the quality of life where our employees work and live. With this in mind, we are introducing TransAlta’s Women in Trades Scholarship, valued at up to $2,500 for eligible students entering in post-secondary trade programs or apprenticeships. The program aims to assist women in obtaining an education in trades by showcasing and rewarding successful female role models. Application due June 30th, 2023. See here for more information.
Automotive Hall of Fame Scholarship - The Automotive Hall of Fame tells the stories of outstanding automotive achievement, including how the industry impacts the world. Established in 1939, the Hall honors the contributions of the early automobile pioneers from the world over. They generously award over $20,000 through the Automotive Hall of Fame Scholarships to students with a genuine interest in an automotive career. Through these scholarships, the Hall hopes to support the next generation of students with financial need as they pursue their academic goals. Application due June 30th, 2023. See here for more information.
Young Entrepreneur Scholarship Grant - The future is about to get brighter for two deserving up-and-coming entrepreneurs… and it might just be you! Your ideas, your drive and your dedication could earn you an Inc file scholarship or grant, with the funds you need to learn more and do more to achieve your dreams of business ownership and entrepreneurial success. Application due June 30th, 2023. See here for more information.
CIA Undergraduate Scholarship Program - The Undergraduate Scholarship Program is a financial needs-based initiative where you will be exposed to intelligence challenges while performing meaningful work that relates to your college major. Application due June 30th, 2023. See here for more information.
Warren E Burger Scholarship - The American Inns of Court has created the Warren E. Burger Prize to promote scholarship in the areas of professionalism, ethics, civility, and excellence. The author of the winning essay will receive a cash prize of $5,000. Application due July 1st, 2023. See here for more information.
Military College Scholarship - Twice a year, as applications allow, we award two different veterans, servicemembers, or dependents of an active-duty servicemember a $1250 scholarship to help them pursue their education. While winners can use the money at any time of the year, regardless of whether classes are in session, the money can only be used towards tuition or textbook costs. Application due July 1st, 2023. See here for more information.
State Troopers Scholarship Programs - Many available. Application due July 31st, 2023. See here for more information.
Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship - All of us at The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C., were touched by the story of 14-year-old Avonte Oquendo, an autistic boy who went missing after he wandered away from school in 2013. The outpouring of support and assistance that accompanied the search for Avonte was unprecedented. Although Avonte tragically did not make it home alive, we want to show the same support for the autistic community in memory of this extraordinary young man. That is why The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C., is offering a $5,000 scholarship for a student living with autism, or whose loved one is living with autism. Application due July 31st, 2023. See here for more information.
Spirit of Giving Scholarship - Each year Wine Country Gift Baskets awards annual scholarships to three well-deserving students displaying the spirit of giving. The Wine Country Gift Baskets Spirit of Giving Scholarship is our way of encouraging acts of kindness, service and giving so they remain an important part of our future. Application due July 31st, 2023. See here for more information.
Women in Law Enforcement Scholarship - developed by female State Troopers to support and encourage young women to pursue careers in law enforcement. See here for more information.
FAME - a list of resources for those not eligible for financial aid at this time. FAME also provides information for those who are able to receive Employer Tuition Assistance. Many local and major retailers offer tuition assistance. Students should check with their (or their parents’) employer.
Too many choices? Use the Finance Authority of Maine's scholarship search or the Maine Community Foundation's database here or this scholarship database to narrow your search.
Youth Policy Leadership program.
Girls Who Code’s Summer Programs. 100% free, with need-based grants for tech access to those who qualify. Include beginner to intermediate-level curriculum featuring concepts in game design (brand new!), web design, cybersecurity, and data science (brand new!). Are hosted by Corporate Partner Sponsors who lead virtual panel discussions and networking events with inspiring female entrepreneurs. High school girls and non-binary students can apply here! Here is a link to our Summer Programs Student Flyer for easy sharing as well!
Touching the Earth. A Homestead Retreat for Young Adults. July 28 - August 19, 2023