Clyde Russell Scholarship Fund

The Clyde Russell Scholarship Fund is a nonprofit organization established by the Maine Education Association through a trust created by the late Audrey Lewis. The fund is named after Clyde Russell, who served as Executive Director of the Maine Education Association from 1945 to 1966. Mrs. Lewis, a former president of the Maine Teachers Association, established the trust to advance cultural and educational opportunities for Maine residents, focusing on developing their creative capacities in arts, letters, and sciences[1][4].

Purpose and Scope

The Clyde Russell Scholarship Fund aims to support educational pursuits by providing financial assistance to Maine residents. The fund offers scholarships primarily to graduating high school seniors planning to enroll in either a four-year college or a Maine Community College. Awards are granted based on diverse criteria, which may include cultural contributions and achievements beyond just financial need or academic performance[2][3][5].

Eligibility and Awards

Eligibility for the scholarship is limited to residents of Maine, excluding those living there solely for educational purposes. The awards are substantial, with some not exceeding $10,000 for four-year college attendees and $2,000 for community college students. Additionally, runner-up finalists may receive recognition awards of $500[3][5].

Application and Selection Process

Application materials become available through high school guidance offices in Maine starting in October of each year, with a deadline for submissions on February 1. Applications can be submitted electronically or by mail[1][2][4]. The number of scholarships awarded annually is determined by the Trustees of the fund[5].

Governance and Administration

The Clyde Russell Scholarship Fund operates independently under its own Trustees, adhering to policies set forth in Audrey Lewis's will. The organization maintains a conflict-of-interest policy to ensure ethical governance[4].

[1] https://clyderussellscholarshipfund.org [2] https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/32673/clyde-russell-scholarship [3] https://www.famemaine.com/scholarships/clyde-russell-scholarship-fund/ [4] https://clyderussellscholarshipfund.org/about/ [5] https://clyderussellscholarshipfund.org/awards/