GOOD NEWS for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) professionals who want to live and work in Maine:
Applications are now being accepted through November 15, 2020 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).
The program, funded by the Harold Alfond Foundation and administered by the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME), is known as Alfond Leaders. 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.
New in 2020, students who will complete their degree or certificate before May 31, 2021 are welcome to apply. 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. Selected awardees who have recently graduated will have until July 1, 2021 to relocate to Maine and begin their STEM employment for a Maine-based employer. An applicant must have a higher education degree or certificate or be graduating by May 31, 2021 in order to apply during this current application collection period.
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 AlfondLeaders.org.
Additional details can be found here.