Geiger Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Island Institute
The Geiger Scholarship — for Maine island students (grades 6 through college)
Purpose
The Geiger Scholarship provides financial assistance to students who live on Maine’s year‑round, unbridged islands and wish to pursue educational enrichment off-island. Eligible activities include summer camps, semester study abroad or away, and structured gap‑year programs.
Who may apply
- Students in middle school through college who reside on a year‑round, unbridged Maine island.
- Students who are currently enrolled in or who have completed the highest grade offered at their island school.
- Magnet students who show a clear commitment to their island school and who are in at least their second year of the magnet program, or who can demonstrate plans to return for a second year.
Number of awards per student
An individual may receive up to four Geiger Scholarships over their academic progression: once during grades 6–8, once during grades 9–12, once while in college, and once for a gap year.
Application components
Applicants must submit:
- Personal and school information
- Details about the proposed program (including dates and total cost)
- A personal statement describing goals and anticipated benefits
- One reference
Deadlines
Applications are reviewed twice yearly. Submit your materials by November 30 or February 28.
Post‑program obligations
Within 30 days after completing the sponsored program, recipients must provide a written reflection on their experience and up to five photographs; at least one photo must include the recipient.
Award amounts and conditions
- Up to $10,000 for semester-length programs.
- Up to $5,000 for summer programs.
Award size is based on application strength (evaluated with a scoring rubric) and the pool of applicants. Recipients are expected to undertake their approved travel/program within one year of receiving the scholarship.
Special opportunity — Yale Young Global Scholars
Thanks to a donor, one student each summer may receive full funding (tuition and program deposit) to attend the Yale Young Global Scholars program. The student must apply to and be accepted by that program. More information: globalscholars.yale.edu.
Other notes
Exceptions and unique situations will be evaluated individually.