PORTLAND — Senator George J. Mitchell’s words encapsulate the optimistic vision of the Mitchell Institute, which aims to enhance the chances of young individuals from all Maine communities to aspire to, pursue, and attain a college education.
In 1995, Mitchell launched the Mitchell Scholarship Program to expand educational opportunities for Maine students and four years later founded the Mitchell Institute, which includes support programs for scholars, fellowships, and a research component. Scholars are chosen based on their academic promise, community contribution, and financial need.
Each year, the Mitchell Institute grants at least one college scholarship to graduating seniors from every public high school in Maine. This year, it distributed nearly $2 million in scholarships. “It’s amazing to see how the Mitchell Institute helps these promising students build leadership skills, discover professional opportunities, and establish career networks alongside the essential financial aid,” remarked Dan Walsh, president and CEO of Norway Savings Bank.
Situated in Portland, the Mitchell Institute has influenced Norway Savings Bank significantly, leading to a recent $10,000 donation.
“The contributions from individual, family, and corporate donors allow us to provide Mitchell Scholars with comprehensive social and financial support for their success,” stated Jared Cash, president and CEO of the Mitchell Institute. “We appreciate Norway Savings Bank’s generosity, which helps us break the cycle of generational poverty for many Maine families, enabling more dedicated young individuals to access higher education and a brighter future.”
Thanks to the Institute’s efforts, Mitchell Scholars graduate from college at an impressive rate of 90 percent, surpassing the national average of 58 percent. The guidance offered to them during and after college provides a crucial roadmap to a fulfilling life.
“Through many coffee meetings and visits to the Mitchell Institute, I established meaningful connections with mentors who not only recognized my potential but also motivated me to step outside my comfort zone,” said Melina Masselli, a graduate of Lewiston High School and Wheaton College. “The influence of those within the Mitchell Institute extends beyond mere connections; it has profoundly shaped my life.”
“Being a Mitchell Scholar instilled the confidence in me to enter my first year of college knowing I could succeed,” shared Tristan Seavey, from Calais, who is now a student at Bates College.
“The support from the Institute has been a blessing not only for me but for my family as well. We are truly grateful for the lasting support the Mitchell Institute provides,” expressed Pethuel Mutalenu, a Westbrook High School graduate and Bowdoin College alum.
“Contributing to this assistance, the anticipated success stories, and the enhancement of Maine’s future workforce is an honor,” said Walsh. “The Mitchell Institute is transforming the futures of thousands of young individuals for the better, and for that, Maine is thankful.”
For more information about the Mitchell Institute, its mission, or how to support its work, visit www.mitchellinstitute.org. Founded in 1866, Norway Savings Bank is a prominent mutual banking and financial services company based in Norway, Maine. As of June 30, 2024, it reported $1.912 billion in assets across 24 branches, providing trust and investment services, personal banking, and business banking. Norway Savings Bank has received an “Outstanding” rating from the FDIC for three consecutive Community Reinvestment Act Exams. It has also been recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and has maintained a “Best Wellness Employer – Gold Certification” for six consecutive years. BauerFinancial has awarded the Bank a “Best of Bauer” designation for maintaining its highest 5-star rating for 34 continuous years. For more details, visit www.norwaysavings.bank.