SACO — The value of a college education continues to increase as employers look for staff members who can solve problems and have made a commitment to building their knowledge.

In an effort to encourage more area residents to give college a try, University College at Saco is offering the Osher New Beginnings Scholarship for the summer and fall semesters.

According to Dan Philbrick, director of University College at Saco, Osher New Beginnings Scholarships were established for those who are first-time college students or for those who have not attended college in at least three years and have completed 30 or fewer successful credit hours.

Philbrick said an Osher Scholarship will cover the cost of tuition, fees and books for one course and students do not need to be accepted to a degree program to be eligible to receive a scholarship.

“New Beginnings Scholarships are available at the Saco Center for both summer and fall,” Philbrick said. “It is important that students apply now while the grant is readily available. The application process is quick and easy, and an advisor is available to answer questions and help people get started.”

Osher New Beginnings scholarships are available through University College Centers across Maine.

Philbrick said there are eight local University College Centers statewide and York County’s is located in Saco.

University College offers students the convenience of staying close to home while studying for a degree, often helping them balance family and work responsibilities, he said.

“It has been the ideal solution for adults who hold some college credits, but who left before completing their degree, or those with no college background who now wish to take that step forward,” Philbrick said. “We know that life can get in the way of starting or completing a college degree. This scholarship can set you on a positive track and give you time to explore ways to make the college experience fit into your life.”

The Osher New Beginnings Scholarship was created by a gift made in 2000 from The Bernard Osher Foundation.

Since then, thousands of students have received scholarships and have enrolled in university courses and scholarship recipients benefit from the personalized support of experienced advisors and tutoring services, along with a variety of skill-development workshops.

For more information about applyng for an Osher New Beginnings Scholarship, call University College at Saco at 282-4111 or visit learn.maine.edu/get-started/osher-scholarships/.

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 ext. 326 or by email at [email protected].