Osher Scholarships -
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get an Osher Scholarship Request Form?
Why has the Osher Foundation and the Maine legislature
joined together to fund the Osher Scholarship program?
Why is the University of Maine System offering these
Osher Scholarships?
Who can become an Osher Scholar?
Is the request process complicated?
If I complete my Osher Scholarship course and wish
to continue, will I be able to obtain financial aid for additional courses?
Where can I attend my course?
Is academic advising and counseling available to
me if I receive an Osher Scholarship?
May I take more than one course as an Osher Scholarship
recipient?
Is tutoring available if I need some extra help
in my course?
How can I get an Osher Scholarship
application form?
You can call a University College Center near you (click
here for map), you can call Teleservice toll-free, 1-800-868-7000
(TTY: 1-800-919-4454) or you can print an application right
now.
Why has the Osher Foundation and
the Maine legislature joined together to fund the Osher Scholarship
program?
In Maine, we have one of the highest high school graduation rates in
the United States, yet many high school graduates choose not to go on
to college. Sometimes finances might be the problem. Sometimes people
went to work or started a family right out of high school. Sometimes
there is a question about whether college would be a good fit. The Osher
Scholarships are designed to let Maine people find out for themselves
if college is for them by trying a college course at virtually no cost.
Why is the University of Maine
System offering these Osher Scholarships?
We believe that the support from our experienced and committed advisors
at University of Maine System University College Centers throughout
Maine, coupled with your own determination and effort, will enable you
to succeed in your first college experience. Furthermore, we believe
you will want to continue your studies to earn a Certificate in Liberal
Arts (Level I), an Associate's Degree, and then your Bachelor's Degree.
Who can become an Osher Scholar?
To become an Osher scholar you must: (1) Be a Maine resident; (2) Have
a high school diploma or GED; (3) Enroll in a 100 or 200 level or developmental
course. Preference will be given to those who have never completed a
course for college credit.
Is the request process complicated?
The one-page Osher Scholarship request form is easy to fill out. No
transcripts, letters of recommendation, or additional documents are
necessary. Simply fill out the request form, sign it, and return it
in person or mail it to the nearest University College Center (click
here for a map).
If I complete my Osher Scholarship
course and wish to continue, will I be able to obtain financial aid
for additional courses?
Your University College advisors will assist you in finding other sources
of financial aid so that you can continue your college studies.
Where can I attend my course?
Courses are available at the University of Maine System’s campuses,
eleven University College Centers (click
here for a list); at over 75 University of Maine System's Instructional
Television sites around the state; at Lewiston-Auburn College; at University
College, Bangor; or via the Internet.
Is academic advising and counseling
available to me if I receive an Osher Scholarship?
Absolutely. In fact, the expertise and support offered by University
College academic advisors and counselors will help you succeed in your
first college experience, as well as in all of your further studies
through University College.
May I take more than one course
as an Osher Scholarship recipient?
You may take as many courses as you and your advisor believe you can
complete productively. However, the Osher Scholarship awards up to $600
to pay for one course, course fees, and required texts. Tuition, fees,
or book costs for any other courses would have to be covered from some
other source. Your advisor at a University College Center can help you
plan the best options for your personal situation and needs.
Is tutoring available if I need
some extra help in my course?
All of the University College Centers offer tutoring assistance to help
you as an Osher Scholar. In addition, University College offers workshops
on topics such as developing effective study skills, time organization
strategies, and other skills that will help you make the most of your
college studies.