Barowsky Scholars is a scholarship that supports students who are interested in honing their careful listening, civic discourse, facilitation, and negotiation skills to become leaders that build trust and find common ground across people and groups with differing views and experiences. Maine residents, who are graduating from high school and planning to attend a four-year college to obtain their bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply.

The scholarship is funded by the Andrew P. Barowsky Foundation and administered by The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI).

The Award:

  • Four-year, renewable scholarship to cover tuition, fees, and educational expenses at a four-year college/university in the US.
  • Merit-based scholarship for students who are motivated to excel in college, able to be open-minded, committed to bridging divides, and working toward building a better society.
  • Scholarship amounts will be determined in-part based on the financial aid award package the student receives from the college they choose to attend. Scholarship amounts will range from $5,000 to $25,000 per year.

Eligibility Requirements:  

  • US citizen and current resident of Maine. 
  • High school senior or recent high school graduate. 
  • Enrolling as a full-time, first-year student in a four-year degree program at an accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university in the US. 
  • Strong academic record in high school. 
  • Motivated to excel in college and make a difference in their community and in society overall. 
  • Must complete one economics course and two of the following courses prior to completing college: accounting, finance, history, or psychology. 
  • Demonstrates a commitment to reasoned, rational thinking, an ability to collaborate and work across differences, and a desire to deploy those skills in furtherance of civic engagement. 
  • Involved in a balance of community, school, and work activities. 
  • Must live on campus in housing paid directly to the university (e.g., in university organized housing or student group organized housing) and to attend classes in-person to receive and to renew the scholarship.