Scholars Meet Maine’s Newest
Mitchell Scholars.
The Mitchell Institute Class of 2026 represents academic promise, community impact, financial need, and the power of opportunity across every community in Maine.
Mitchell Scholars are selected based on academic promise, community impact, and financial need. Since 1995, the Mitchell Institute has helped more than 4,000 Scholars and Alumni pursue higher education, build meaningful connections, and contribute to communities across Maine and beyond.
The Class of 2026 continues that legacy. These Scholars are students, workers, caregivers, artists, athletes, volunteers, mentors, advocates, and leaders. They arrive with strong academic records and deep community commitments, and they now join a lifelong Mitchell Institute community designed to help them persist, graduate, and thrive.
From applications to Scholars
A competitive selection process rooted in promise, impact, and need.
Recipients over time
The Scholar population has grown with intention over the past five years.
A Scholar from every public high school in Maine.
Each year, the Mitchell Scholarship reaches students across the state. The Class of 2026 includes at least one Scholar from every public high school in Maine, connecting communities from every county to a growing statewide network of support.
Schools with multiple recipients
Several high schools had multiple Mitchell Scholars selected this year, reflecting both the strength of Maine students and the depth of talent across the state.
Four recipients
Lewiston High School
Deering High School
Three recipients
Mountain Valley High School
Stearns High School
Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School
Portland High School
Poland High School
Westbrook High School
First-generation milestone
The Class of 2026 includes the highest first-generation share in recent years.
Class profile highlights
A class shaped by many experiences, languages, leadership pathways, and community commitments.
The highest share in recent years.
Scholars speak more than one language.
Recognized through the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute.
First-generation Scholars increased from 44% last year.
High-achieving and highly motivated
The Class of 2026 is academically accomplished and deeply motivated. Their academic records tell one part of the story. Just as important is how they have used their time and talents in their schools, workplaces, families, and communities.
Work and responsibility
Many Scholars balanced employment, school, leadership, and family responsibilities.
Community-minded Scholars
Their applications reflected a strong sense of care for others and commitment to community.
Scholars speak more than one language.
Recognized through the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute.
They are already making a difference.
Across their applications, Scholars shared stories of service, leadership, creativity, and responsibility. They are musicians, artists, athletes, writers, volunteers, mentors, advocates, and students who contribute meaningfully to their households and communities.
Many described wanting to stay engaged, build community, and continue their momentum of impact as Mitchell Scholars.
Based on currently available matriculation data, many Scholars intend to continue their education here in Maine.
Most Scholars with reported plans intend to remain in New England for college.
The median SAI indicates significant financial need across the class.
Among Scholars who reported household income.
Family structure helps us understand available support systems.
This context helps the Institute plan support with care.
Why Mitchell support matters
These Scholars are already achieving at a high level. The Mitchell Scholarship and broader Mitchell Institute community help remove barriers so they can keep going.
Financial need is not the full story, but it helps us understand how to support this class with intention. Scholars may need help accessing emergency funds, covering textbooks or lab fees, finding paid internships, traveling to professional opportunities, or connecting with someone who can help them navigate college systems for the first time.
Selection is only the beginning.
As the Class of 2026 begins college, the Mitchell Institute’s work shifts from selecting Scholars to supporting their success through scholarship funding, community, advising, emergency support, leadership experiences, and lifelong connection.
Scholarship Support
Each Scholar receives a $10,000 scholarship that follows them to the college or university they attend.
Emergency Funds
Support funds help Scholars navigate unexpected barriers that could interrupt their education.
Fellowships
Fellowship funding helps Scholars pursue internships, research, travel, and career-building opportunities.
No-Agenda Meetings
Scholars can connect with staff for guidance, encouragement, problem-solving, and campus navigation.
Leadership Experiences
Programs like MILE I and MILE II help Scholars build confidence, community, and professional skills.
Alumni Network
Scholars join a lifelong community of Mitchell Scholars and Alumni across Maine and beyond.
View Previous Scholar Dashboard Images +
The dashboard images below are preserved for historical context and reflect earlier reporting.
Help Scholars keep going.
The Class of 2026 is ready. With scholarship funding, emergency support, fellowships, mentorship, and community, Mitchell Scholars have the resources they need to persist, graduate, and lead.
Support Mitchell Scholars