Verizon Maine Gives $20,000 to the MELMAC Education Foundation to Support the PSAT for All Juniors at 32 Maine High Schools
Article published December 1, 2004
AUGUSTA - The MELMAC Education Foundation today announced that Verizon Maine has given $20,000 to support the Foundation's Connect Aspirations to a Plan initiative to support more Maine high school students going to college. The $20,000 donation will support PSAT fees for juniors who are unable to pay the test fees and attend the 32 Maine high schools part of the Foundation's college access program.
“The PSAT is a critical first step for sophomores and juniors on the road to college. All sophomores currently take the PSAT through a program sponsored by the Maine Department of Education. Through this gift, Verizon Maine is ensuring that all juniors at our 32 participating Maine high schools will be able to take the PSAT, regardless of ability to pay,” said Wendy Ault, the Foundation’s Executive Director. “By taking the PSAT, all high school juniors will realize that they are ‘college material’ and have just taken the first step in getting there.”
The MELMAC Education Foundation through its Connect Aspirations to a Plan program works with 32 Maine high schools, 25% of the entire Maine public high school population, to encourage more students to go to college. Connect Aspirations to a Plan began in the fall of 2003. During the first year, the portion of high school graduates enrolling in college by September following their graduation increased from 60 percent to 64 percent. This brings these Maine high schools close to the national average of 68 percent of high school graduates enrolling in college by the fall following their high school graduation.
“The juniors affected by Verizon’s generous donation will understand that they can go to college, get a degree and enjoy a successful, challenging and financially rewarding career. Through our Connect Aspirations to a Plan program, these students will be supported from the time they take the PSAT as sophomores and juniors until they successfully enroll in college after high school graduation,” continued Ault.
Since January 2001, the MELMAC Education Foundation has provided over $1,380,000 in grants and scholarships to support increased educational attainment for all Maine people.
The MELMAC Education Foundation is located in Augusta. The Foundation has assets of approximately 33 million dollars. Wendy L. Ault serves as Executive Director. For more information, visit the Foundation's website at www.MELMACFoundation.org or call 207.622.3066.