BRUNSWICK — A baby from Brunswick has become the 5,000th Maine newborn to receive a $500 Harold Alfond College Challenge Grant.

Officials say Sebastian Bond is getting a head start on his college fund through the Alfond Scholarship Program, which was formed through the estate of the late Harold Alfond, founder of Dexter Shoe Co.

Sebastian, who was born May 6, is the son of Andrew and Melanie Bond.

Since it went into effect in 2008, the program has contributed $2.5 million to NextGen college savings accounts to help families prepare early for the costs of higher education. Any baby born in Maine can receive a grant if they are signed up before their first birthday.


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