FARMINGTON — The University of Maine at Farmington has announced the creation of the UMF Stevens Scholarship, a new academic scholarship available to first-year applicants from Maine beginning fall 2012. One of several merit-based scholarships offered by the university, the UMF Stevens Scholarship will be awarded exclusively to Maine students and is part of the continuing effort by UMF to help college-bound Maine students have affordable access to a quality education while remaining in their home state.

The competitive UMF Stevens Scholarship, worth $3,000 per year, will be awarded to first-year applicants from Maine with the best grades in challenging academic programs through their junior year in high school. This financial award is renewable for up to four years (eight semesters) with a total value of $12,000, providing students maintain a grade point average of 3.00 and enroll in 12 credit hours per semester.

While the majority of institutional grant aid distributed by UMF is awarded to meet both in-state and out-of-state students’ demonstrated financial need, UMF, as a public institution, also seeks to attract the top Maine students. According to UMF officials, they anticipate awarding the UMF Stevens Scholarship to at least 80 applicants admitted from Maine.

“In these challenging times, many Maine students are looking for a way to curtail college costs,” said Roberto Noya, UMF vice president for enrollment management. “This significant academic award benefits those talented Maine students who have worked hard during their high school years and are looking for a quality education at home.”

No special application is necessary to be considered for any UMF merit-based scholarships. Recipients will be notified of their merit award upon admission. Nevertheless, UMF recommends that prospective students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to determine their eligibility for need-based financial assistance. It is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

UMF’s new merit scholarship is named for UMF alumnus John F. Stevens, chief engineer of the Panama Canal and a symbol of the value of a liberal arts education. Stevens, who became a school teacher soon after leaving UMF, combined his affinity for mathematics and surveying with a passion for learning and spirit of adventure. He went on to study civil engineering, building bridges, tunnels and most notably railroads. His railroad expertise brought Stevens to the attention of President Theodore Roosevelt, who hired him in 1905 to take over construction of the Panama Canal.

For more information on the UMF Stevens Scholarship and other UMF merit-based awards, including specific qualifications, visit the UMF website at www.farmington.edu/admissions/finaid-merit.php.