Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
LEWISTON — The Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Foundation will become home to College for ME Androscoggin’s First Class Scholarship Fund.
The First Class Scholarship will be facilitated by the LA Metro Chamber Foundation to provide a “hand up” to those who want to continue their education and to those returning to college with a leap of faith but perhaps a slim budget.
The Fish Bones Hospitality Scholarship is also moving to the LA Metro Chamber Foundation, according to Paul Landry, owner of Fish Bones American Grill. Combined, the two scholarship funds provide critical financial aid to local youth and adults pursuing post-secondary education, and a news release about the move.
For the last 11 years, College for ME has enriched the community’s college-going culture, and other entities have now come on board with that effort. There is now overwhelming support for students, employees, and family members to acquire a post-secondary degree, and countless individuals are mentoring others to take that first step. College for ME has accomplished its goal of college becoming a multi-age priority within Androscoggin County and has now closed its doors. Yet, the First Class Scholarship Fund will live on.
Hillary Verrill, immediate past president of College for ME, said, “As a highly respected organization, the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce proved to be the right partner for College for ME – Androscoggin to continue to provide the First Class Scholarship. Our Board of Directors, who have been passionate and committed to waking the college aspirations within our community for the past decade, will be able to continue to contribute by helping the LA Metro Chamber Foundation choose scholarship recipients through the College for ME – Androscoggin Scholarship Fund. For me, this isn’t good-bye to an organization; this is an opportunity to adapt to the changing landscape in a way that best supports the current climate.”
Landry, owner of Fish Bones Americal Grill, said, “The LA Metro Chamber of Commerce has always been a strong advocate of educational and workforce development. The Fish Bones Hospitality Scholarship has been committed to providing scholarship dollars as an organic effort to embellish the local hospitality workforce. College for ME Androscoggin was a great fit for Fish Bones as a scholarship host and I expect that the L-A Metro Chamber will follow suit given the Chamber’s educational and workforce priorities. We’re excited to be part of the LA Metro Chamber Foundation and the invaluable assistance they will be able to provide in managing the scholarship funds. Local dollars going to local students is a big win for our community and potentially helps to grow our local workforce.”
