At the start of each academic year, a new group of University of
Maine students spends 48 hours roughing it in the shadow of Mt. Katahdin.
On the Onward Program camping trip to Baxter State Park, the mostly
nontraditional-age men and women — among them, laid-off workers looking
for a better career, single parents who want a better future for their
children, first-generation college students and persons with
disabilities — begin bonding into what quickly becomes a close-knit
group. All share their hopes and fears about taking that first step to
becoming students, members of a community of learners.
With its unique academic support system, Onward prepares these students
for success in college — and beyond. Today, Onward alumni can be found
pursuing careers in education, social work, nursing, art, forestry and
many other fields.
This past spring, the New England Board of Higher Education recognized
the success of UMaine's Onward Program with a regional merit award.
To assist UMaine Onward students, the Jerry Ellis Scholarship Fund was
established at the University of Maine Foundation in honor of Gerald C.
Ellis, director of the University of Maine College Success Program, for
his 33 years of dedicated service to the Onward Program.
UMaine Today Magazine
Department of University Relations
5761 Howard A. Keyo Public Affairs Building
Phone: (207) 581-3744 | Fax: (207) 581-3776
