The survivors and family of those killed in last month’s horrific mass shooting in Lewiston can have their tuition waived at any University of Maine System school.
The system board of trustees, Chancellor Dannel Malloy and Gov. Janet Mills announced the “Lewiston Strong Tuition Waiver” on Wednesday.
Those eligible for the program can have their tuition waived — about $10,196 annually, not including other fees — so they can pursue a bachelor’s degree at any of the seven UMaine campuses, the system said.
Beyond the tuition waiver, the system is establishing a scholarship fund that would help cover other education costs, including room and board and books. It will be managed by the University of Maine Foundation.
“I thank the University of Maine System for establishing the Lewiston Strong Tuition Waiver and Scholarship Fund, which will ensure that the cost of higher education will never be a barrier for those directly impacted by the tragedy in Lewiston,” Mills said. “Through their boundless generosity, Maine people are demonstrating that our state will stand by those who were injured and the families of those who were killed in the months, years and decades to come.”
The announcement comes just over a month after the deadliest mass shooting in modern Maine history and the 10th deadliest seen in the United States this year. A 40-year-old gunman killed 18 people and injured 13 others at a Lewiston bowling alley and bar on Oct. 25. Two days later, he was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
About 80 people are expected to be eligible for the program, including 31 Mainers who were physically injured during the shooting and the spouses and biological, adopted and stepchildren of those killed. The Maine attorney general’s office will verify eligibility.
“By all accounts, those who were tragically killed were deeply devoted to their families and working hard to provide them a strong future. While nothing will bring them back, the University of Maine System believes that the best way we can honor the memories of those taken too soon is to ensure their loved ones can easily access postsecondary education and opportunity,” Malloy said.
“Beyond unimaginable grief, we know there is also overwhelming anxiety about financial and other responsibilities for those directly impacted, especially for those who are suddenly single parents or who were physically injured because of this horrific mass shooting. Our hope is that by committing to cover these college costs, it will alleviate one of the many burdens these families are now unfortunately facing and make it easier for them to rebuild their lives and our community,” Malloy said.
Anyone can donate to the Lewiston Strong Scholarship Fund online at our.umaine.edu/lewiston or send checks to the Lewiston Strong Scholarship Fund c/o UMaine Foundation, Two Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469-5792.
