Chewonki is offering two $15,000 Maine Youth Environmental Leaders Scholarships, to support students from Maine who would like to attend Maine Coast Semester at Chewonki during the spring or fall of their junior year in High School.
The Maine Youth Environmental Leaders Scholarship covers a significant portion of tuition and fees. Successful applicants will have the support of a school or community leader, have demonstrated an appreciation for the natural world, and can envision creating positive change in their home community. The application deadline for this scholarship opportunity is May 15th, 2026.
Maine Coast Semester at Chewonki is a semester-long academically rigorous residential program based in Wiscasset, Maine. Learning takes place in classrooms, in the field, on the coast, at the farm, in the forest, and on backcountry expeditions. Side by side with their teachers, students explore the concepts behind human ecology, the intersection between humans and their natural, social, and built environments.
For almost 40 years, Maine Coast Semester students have gone on to achieve success in college and beyond as independent thinkers with broad perspectives enabling them to make an impact through thoughtful collaboration and leadership in our complex world.
Application Requirements:
In addition to following the regular application process for Maine Coast Semester, we request the following:
- A nomination submitted by a teacher, school administrator, or community leader and accompanied by a letter of recommendation
- A 500-word essay (Choose one of the following questions):
- In what ways have you contributed to improving the relationship between humans and our natural environment in your home community? (or given the chance, what would you do?)
- If you were to leave behind your own legacy for future generations, what would it be and why?
- In what ways does where you live influence how you live?
- An interview (Interviews are 30-40 minutes and are currently conducted via Zoom. Please contact admissions@chewonki.org to schedule your interview.)
How to Apply
- Complete the standard application process.
- Scholarship application materials should be submitted directly by email to admissions@chewonki.org.
- Application Deadline: May 15, 2026
Decision Process: All award decisions will be based on the strength of each applicant’s recommendation letter, essay, interview, and overall application for admission. Applications are reviewed by an admissions committee. Applicants will be notified of our admissions decisions on May 29th.
FAQ’s:
- Can I still apply for need-based financial aid?
Yes. As part of the application process, you can submit financial information via Clarity. Please visit our Tuition & Financial Aid webpage for full instructions. - How many scholarships will be awarded?
One scholarship will be awarded for each semester, Fall and Spring. - Can I submit other supporting documents?
To provide an equitable review process for all applicants, please submit only the materials required.