Undergraduate Research Scholarship Opportunity – Applications Due by April 10th
A scholarship is available to one student from each UMS university to select a public policy topic relevant to Maine, conduct research throughout the year, and make policy
recommendations in the form of a legislative memo and a research presentation.
The seven UMS students in the program learn to conduct independent policy research, participate in colloquia, and present their research ideas and findings. Each student works with a faculty advisor and a community mentor.
Previous topics have included forestry regulation, addiction prevention, wind power, energy efficiency, school nutrition, proficiency-based learning, civic education, habitat conservation, and the nursing shortage.
Students receive a $5,000 scholarship, with an additional $1,000 available for research expenses.
The scholarship is open to students who have completed at least two years of college as of August 2026. All majors are eligible. The program runs from September 2026 to April 2027.
Funding is provided through the Maine Community Foundation.
University of Maine at Augusta student applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are due by noon on April 10th, 2026.
For questions about the Maine Policy Scholars Program or to submit an application, UMA students can contact Dr. Vickie Ireland at vickie.ireland@maine.edu.