WGME Spotlight on ME

The Alfond Grant program comes of age

We're pleased to share a recent WGME CBS13 Spotlight segment celebrating the first graduating class of Alfond Grant recipients preparing to use their grants as they graduate from high school this spring.

The story highlights Christina and Samantha, a mother and daughter from central Maine who beautifully illustrate Harold Alfond's vision of giving every Maine child a head start toward planning and saving for education and career training after high school.

Over the years, Christina saved what she could, when she could. Now, a combination of scholarships, financial aid, the Alfond Grant (now worth more than $2,300), and her family's own savings means Samantha will be able to pursue a degree in civil engineering at UMaine without taking on student loan debt.

For Labor & Delivery nurses at MaineGeneral who welcomed our first Alfond Grant recipients into the world in 2008, it's remarkable to see those babies now reaching this milestone. Congratulations, Samantha! We look forward to cheering you on as you begin this exciting next chapter.

This moment is a powerful reminder of the impact that early investment, family support, and community partnerships can have on a child's future.

Ordering Alfond Grant Materials Just Got Easier

Healthcare professionals can now request free Alfond Grant materials through our new online order form. Whether you work in Labor & Delivery or support families in another healthcare setting, it's a simple way to order contact cards, brochures, posters, and other resources for the families you serve.

Also available through the order form, you can request free onsite and virtual staff trainings, as well as video watch contests that can help your team learn more about the Alfond Grant and the important role healthcare professionals play in helping families become aware of this valuable resource.

Don't forget—we have downloadable waiting room slides that can be added to your existing displays to help raise awareness of the Alfond Grant!

Questions? Contact us at info@myalfondgrant.org.

Our Sweet Summer Tradition Returns

Each summer, the Alfond Grant team visits hospitals across Maine to thank labor & delivery nurses who help connect families with the $500 Alfond Grant right from the very beginning of their child's life.

This year, we'll once again be making the rounds with boxes of Wicked Whoopies for our hospital partners. While the whoopie pies are always a hit, what we're really celebrating is your commitment to helping Maine families start thinking about their children's futures from day one.

Thank you for being such an important part of this work. We can't wait to see many of you soon!

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, how can they use their Alfond Grant? 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.

New Blog Post:

Is Your High School Student Grant Ready?

Can you believe that the babies pictured here are seniors in high school? The very first Alfond Grant recipients — babies born at MaineGeneral Hospital in 2008 whose families opened a NextGen 529 account before their first birthday — are now preparing for life after high school.

As high school seniors make plans to enroll in colleges, certificate programs, and trades, many are getting ready to use their Alfond Grants for the first time.

Check out our latest blog article for helpful guides and resources families can use to make sure they are ready for the next step.

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