Applications are now being accepted through May 15, 2021 for up to $60,000 in student loan debt relief for professionals who live in or relocate to Maine and are employed by a Maine-based business in the STEM-related fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Soon to be graduates who will work in Maine companies as STEM professionals may also apply.
The Alfond Leaders program is funded by the Harold Alfond Foundation and administered by the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME). It assists Maine employers in attracting and retaining talented STEM professionals by providing student loan repayment assistance of up to $60,000 per recipient. Payment of the debt relief award is made directly to a recipient’s student loan servicer. Payments are made once at the end of three years of qualifying residency and employment and again at the end of a subsequent three-year period of qualifying residency and employment.
For the Spring 2021 application cycle, eligible applicants may already be working as a STEM professional; or have recently graduated with a degree or certificate between May 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020; or be completing their degree or certificate between January 1, 2021 and August 31, 2021. Awards made to graduating students, will be finalized once they have begun a STEM position in Maine and, if new to Maine, have relocated to the state.
Applicants are being sought from across the nation, and current Maine residents are eligible and being encouraged to apply.
Applicants can learn more and apply by visiting www.AlfondLeaders.org
