Description (click to expand)
The mission of Scholarships for Maine Immigrants (SMI), formerly Portland ESL Scholarship Fund, is to help local immigrants and refugees gain the English language and career skills necessary to achieve their educational and professional goals. Since 2000, SMI has awarded over 400 scholarships and $200,000 to fulfill this mission. SMI is a small non-profit organization with minimal overhead costs. We recognize that for refugees and immigrants, the move to the US, and to Portland in particular, is life-altering on many levels. Their education is interrupted, careers are derailed, and credentials are not recognized. In addition, these newcomers must juggle learning a new language, family responsibilities, earning a living and acculturation, as well as trying to support family members remaining in their home countries. For many, the lack of language competence is the barrier to a new life here. Basic English classes are available in Greater Portland; however, the cost of advanced language and career skills courses can be prohibitive. This is where SMI helps. Our scholarships help cover the cost of attending advanced English and job skills classes so recipients can achieve their educational goals, return to prior careers, or train for new ones.
.png)
