Richard H. Pierce Memorial Scholarship

Name: Richard H. Pierce Memorial Scholarship — MES Foundation

Award Amount: $5,000 per recipient (renewable up to four years)

Information And Eligibility:
The Richard H. Pierce Memorial Scholarship is a merit- and need-based college scholarship offered by the MES Foundation, formerly Maine Education Services, to support Maine students who demonstrate strong academic promise and financial need and who might otherwise be unable to continue post-secondary studies without financial assistance. The scholarship was established in honor of MES founder Dick Pierce to further his lifelong commitment to expanding access to higher education for Maine residents.

Each year, the MES Foundation awards approximately 20 scholarships of $5,000 each, and these awards are renewable for up to four years (or the equivalent of degree completion) for students who maintain eligibility. Scholarship funds may be applied toward key college costs such as tuition, mandatory fees, textbooks, supplies, and other approved educational expenses. Eligible students include high school seniors planning to begin college and current undergraduates entering their first year of study.

Recipients are selected through a competitive process that evaluates academic achievement, documented financial need, community and/or work contributions, and the applicant’s potential to complete their degree program. This scholarship not only offers financial support but also serves as recognition of a student’s academic accomplishments and community engagement.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a resident of Maine.
• Must be a graduating high school senior entering post-secondary education or a current college student beginning their first year of study.
• Must intend to enroll or be enrolled full time in an accredited two- or four-year college or university.
• Must demonstrate academic achievement (GPA, coursework, etc.) and a strong desire to complete a degree program.
• Must demonstrate financial need, as outlined in application materials.

Application Requirements:

• Completed MES Foundation online scholarship application.
• Official high school or college transcript.
• Documentation of financial need (such as FAFSA or equivalent financial data).
• Personal essay of 300 words or more describing goals, challenges, and reasons for pursuing higher education.
• Two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or community leaders.

Additional Details:

• The scholarship is awarded based on a combination of merit and financial need.
• Awards are renewable for up to four years if recipients maintain at least 12 credits per semester and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
• Applications are typically accepted online from January 1 through April 1 annually.
• Recipients are selected by the MES Foundation Board of Directors based on application strength.

Deadline: April 1

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