FARMINGTON – A new program at the University of Maine at Farmington got a big boost Wednesday, when a local bank provided a three-year grant to fund the college’s student internship program.
The $45,000 donated by Bangor Savings Bank Foundation will provide UMF with funding over three years for the Partnership for Civic Advancement program, which seeks to provide college students more real-world experience in the community, working with businesses and organizations that need assistance in new projects. According to UMF’s Celeste Branham, vice president of student and community services, details of the program are still being developed, but the foundation’s grant will likely allow 15 to 20 students participate in the program each year.
The program is designed to match students and faculty advisers with partners in the community; students develop skills and experiences outside of the classroom, while small businesses and organizations gain assistance and resources.
“This is going to be a great partnership,” UMF President Theodora Kalikow said. “This is the way our students learn best.”
Bangor Savings vice president and branch manager Becky Davis-Allen said a student that attended UMF, whose parent worked at Bangor Savings, had expressed the opinion that UMF students could benefit from more opportunities to work in the community. Senior management at the bank liked the idea, Davis-Allen said, and the concept of the grant was developed.
In recognition of the bank’s support, UMF has announced that interns sponsored through the grant will be known as the UMF-Bangor Savings Bank Interns. The funds will provide stipends to outstanding student interns in the program. Branham said that while the program is still under development, the internships will not be restricted by a student’s year or major. Bangor Savings Bank will also sponsor an annual event to recognize the contributions of interns, their faculty mentors and their partnering businesses and organizations.
The program is expected to roll out this year, in the fall semester.
“Bangor Savings Bank is excited to be working with the University of Maine at Farmington to help connect students with small businesses and community organizations in their community,” Davis-Allen said, as part of a prepared statement.
