As the 2025-2026 school year winds down, area students are busy finalizing future plans beyond high school. But it is not too late to consider continuing their education at the next level or by earning a trade.
Scholarships to pursue college and skilled trade opportunities in Maine are still available and waiting for applicants.
Here are some scholarship programs seeking students from Maine.
Drug Rehab USA Scholarship
As Maine continues to face a growing shortage of mental health professionals, Drug Rehab USA is encouraging college students across the state to pursue careers in mental health through its annual Mental Health Scholarship program.
It is offering a $2,000 scholarship to students currently enrolled in accredited colleges and universities throughout the United States who are passionate about making a positive impact in the field of mental health. Students can learn more and apply at: https://drugrehabus.org/mental-health-scholarship/.
The scholarship comes at a critical time for Maine. According to recent reports, Maine is currently meeting only 14.4 percent of the need for mental health services, one of the lowest rates in New England. Additionally, an estimated 260,862 people in Maine live in communities that do not have enough mental health professionals available to meet demand.
Drug Rehab USA says these numbers highlight the urgent need to support the next generation of counselors, psychologists, therapists, psychiatric nurses, and social workers.
“Mental health care access continues to be a major challenge for families throughout Maine, especially in rural communities,” said a spokesperson for Drug Rehab USA. “By helping students pursue careers in mental health, we hope to play a small role in strengthening the future workforce and improving access to care.”
Applicants for the scholarship are encouraged to submit an essay, video, artwork, or other creative project explaining why they are pursuing a career in mental health and how they hope to positively impact others in the future.
Drug Rehab USA is a national addiction and mental health resource organization dedicated to connecting individuals and families with treatment resources, educational materials, and support services across the United States.
The Maine Public Relations Council Scholarship
The Maine Public Relations Council Scholarships awards two $1,000 scholarships to either a graduating high school senior interested in pursuing a career in a communications-related field of study and enrolled at an accredited Maine college or university, or to a college student currently enrolled in such a program.
To apply, visit https://meprcouncil.org/scholarships
Maine Blue Collar Scholarship
Following the completion of its 2026 scholarship review process, the Maine Blue Collar Scholarship Foundation (MBC) has announced a historic milestone: awarding more than $1 million in scholarships and toolships to Maine individuals pursuing careers in the skilled trades.
Since its founding in 2017, MBC has grown from a bold idea into one of Maine's most impactful workforce development initiatives, built entirely by volunteers and funded entirely by businesses and individuals who believe in the future of Maine’s trades. The milestone reflects both the growing demand for skilled trades workers and the statewide support behind the foundation’s mission.
MBC awards scholarships and toolships ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 to individuals entering careers across more than 20 trades, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, welding, diesel technology, linework, heavy equipment, building construction, automotive technology, culinary arts, public safety, healthcare, and more. Awards help recipients purchase tools, pay for certifications, and begin careers without taking on significant debt.
“Our mission has always been about creating opportunities and removing barriers for people who want to build a future through hard work and skilled trades,” said Chrissi Moody, Executive Director of the Maine Blue Collar Scholarship Foundation. “Reaching more than one million dollars awarded is an incredible milestone that reflects the growing demand for tradespeople. These careers are essential to Maine’s future, and we’re proud to support the next generation entering the workforce.”
Recipients have come from more than 100 Maine communities, over 90 high schools, and all 27 of the state’s career and technical education schools, representing recent graduates, CTE program completers, and adult learners making career changes.
The foundation continues to partner with businesses, educators, contractors, unions, and workforce organizations throughout Maine to connect scholarship recipients with employment opportunities and long-term careers.
For more details about Maine Blue Collar scholarship opportunities or ways to support the foundation, visit mainebluecollar.com or email info@mai <
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