USM announces recipients of Essential Workers Scholarship

The University of Southern Maine has recognized 50 outstanding students who are learning while working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic in a range of essential capacities. Included are health care professionals, firefighters, police officers, paramedics, retail and grocery employees, child care providers, delivery services workers and transportation providers.

For their commitment to academic excellence and public service, the university has awarded each student a $1,000 scholarship as an expression of gratitude on behalf of the USM community and with the intent to help ease financial burdens on those who have continued working in essential jobs during their studies. The scholarships were funded in part by an allocation from the USM Office of the President and by private donations.

“During this period of unprecedented challenges, we have come to understand just how essential these people are to keeping us going – as individuals and as a society,” USM President Glenn Cummings said. “It’s only fitting that we recognize the importance of the work they are doing and the risks they are taking by helping to make their college education more affordable.”

The following local recipients were recognized: Brendan Sanphy, Hannaford, of Westbrook; Zach Harrison, firefighter, of Scarborough; Hannie Chase, certified nursing assistant, of Scarborough; Kyle Dill, phlebotomist, of Portland; Julie Orrego, social services, of Portland; Joe Kalilwa, health sciences, of Portland; Amanda DePaola, medical laboratory technician, of Portland; Bhan Karam, residential specialist, of Portland; Nicole Kumiega, certified nursing assistant, of Falmouth; Marissa Paul, health unit coordinator/medical assistant, of South Portland; Ikram Sugule, certified nursing assistant, of South Portland; Julia Howitt, Oxford Street Shelter, of Durham.

Full Plates Full Potential seeking grant applicants

Full Plates Full Potential, the Maine-based nonprofit working to end child hunger statewide, announced its Winter School Meals Fund is now open.

A total of $350,000 in grants will focus on increasing access to school meals for children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Priority will be given to projects targeting delivery to students at home and outside of school. Grants will help pay for transportation costs and safe packaging for breakfast and lunch.

COVID-19 has put enormous strains on public schools and child nutrition meal programs, according to a prepared release from the nonprofit, and the current spike in cases has forced many districts to temporarily shut down in-person learning.

Awards of up to $5,000 will be given to schools or community organizations operating federally funded child nutrition programs. The deadline to apply is Jan. 29, but priority will be given to those who apply by Jan. 20. See fullplates.org/grants/2021-winter-school-meals-fund/ for details.

EnviroLogix donates to STEM initiatives, teacher innovations

EnviroLogix, a Portland-based diagnostic company, gave two grants totaling $16,000 in late 2020 to the Foundation for Portland Public Schools through its charitable fund.

With a focus on innovation in the classroom, the grants will support the goals of the district’s strategic plan, the Portland Promise.

Half of the funds will benefit Equity and Innovation Teacher Grants, a program that distributes $50,000 in small grants to Portland Public Schools staff each fall. The other half is designated for the district’s STEM initiatives, including the annual STEM Expo, which is a chance for students to showcase their projects and to see and hear about the STEM work happening at businesses and organizations in greater Portland.

“Support from community partners like EnviroLogix helps PPS to inspire students and teachers in STEM education,” said Brooke Teller, Portland Public Schools STEM coordinator. “Their sponsorship of the PPS STEM Expo and STEM Teacher Grants are examples of how these partnerships translate into concrete experiences for our whole student body.”

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