Business Partner Update

Incentivized 1:1 Sessions are Supporting Employees to Plan and Save for Future Education

Spring is in the air — and so is a fresh opportunity that's helping Mainers plan and prepare for the future.

We've added a new benefit to our business partnerships: incentivized one-on-one virtual education savings counseling. The partnership benefit has officially launched and is already proving to be a huge success. We’ve seen strong uptake from employees across participating workplaces, and we’re excited to continue offering this meaningful opportunity to our business partners.

We know many families want to save for education, but often don’t know where to start. That’s why the Alfond Scholarship Foundation and the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) are offering dedicated days of 1:1 virtual education savings help sessions for employees. We give participants a $50 gift card for making and keeping their scheduled appointment with FAME. While some use the time to open a new 529 account, every participant walks away with a clearer understanding of education savings and the steps they can take to reach their financial goals.

Thank you to our incredible business partners and to FAME for helping make this opportunity possible!

If you'd like to discuss bringing opportunities like this to your workplace, please email Caroline Palmatier, ASF's Partnerships & Programs Coordinator, at caroline@myalfondgrant.org.

Big News for Maine Students!

Have you heard the news? Maine has officially made the Maine Free College Scholarship permanent for high school graduates in the Class of 2026 and beyond.

Maine Community College President (and Alfond Scholarship Foundation Board Member) David Daigler says, “This gives future high school graduates the means and opportunity to pursue a path they may have felt was financially out of reach. And now that it’s a permanent program, a generation of young people can move with confidence and intention toward a brighter future for themselves and Maine.”

If tuition for these students is free, can they still use their Alfond Grant? Absolutely! Alfond Grants can be used for a variety of program-related expenses such as fees, books, supplies, and required equipment, in addition to tuition and room and board.

The Ripple Effect of Education Savings Support in the Workplace

Financial stress doesn’t stay at home—it shows up at work, too. A recent BrightPlan report found that employees lose an average of seven hours of productivity each week due to financial stress. When employers support financial wellness, they’re not just offering a benefit—they’re strengthening performance, engagement, and retention.

Education savings planning is a key piece of the financial wellness puzzle. Supporting families as they plan and save for their children’s or grandchildren's future education can improve employee well-being and workplace performance. With the right employer support, more families are able to take advantage of college savings opportunities—and the Alfond Scholarship Foundation is here to help.

To learn more, contact us at info@myalfondgrant.org.

Please Share: Help Spread the Word

Tax refund season is a great time to remind folks about saving for future education. Encouraging others to put a portion of their refund into a college savings account can be a simple, meaningful step toward supporting a child’s future. Those who save with a NextGen 529 account may be eligible for an annual 30% matching grant (up to $300 per year). Don't forget—there's also a Maine state income tax deduction of up to $1,000 per student for 529 contributions.

A simple way to help others learn and take action is to share this downloadable flyer through your internal email or HR communications. Please reach out to Caroline at caroline@myalfondgrant.org if you experience any issues with the file.

The Alfond Scholarship Foundation is not an authorized distributor of NextGen529. 

Read our disclaimer here.

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