SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarship programs available through Maine’s Outdoor Learning Center.
We are committed to providing access to outdoor education to become more proficient in the woods and on the waters, as well as becoming a Registered Maine Guide. Thanks to our generous donors, we have scholarships available for all of our residential “In the Field” courses.
MOLC’s Zeb Leavitt Scholarship Fund subsidizes individuals who otherwise would not be able to afford The Registered Maine Guide Training Program and the Women’s Skill Building Retreat.
ELIGIBILITY and GUIDELINES
We allot 4 scholarships per year, 1 for each residential “In the Field” training program. Scholarships are for the 2022 year. When a course is posted FULL, no scholarship is given. We are honored to serve 4 people per year with the funds we receive from our generous donors.
As more donations flow in, we'll be able to offer more scholarships.
MOLC is proud to award a limited number of reduced Fees as a scholarship to deserving students who are becoming Registered Maine Guides, or achieving a skill set for the outdoors.
Eligibility - Our scholarships are granted on a needs basis, and all are welcome to apply. We take into consideration a variety of factors; time spent in the woods and on the waters, financial need, and family status.
50% - MOLC - Scholarships are for 50% of the course tuition and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to those who qualify based on need.
Applying - We encourage you to apply early in 2022. Apply well in advanced, as our training classes are kept small and fill quickly.
Note: Scholarships cannot be applied to courses for which you already registered. Scholarships cannot be used in conjunction with VA benefits.
Using your Scholarships - Must be used for the training you are applying for in the same calendar year. Scholarships are not transferrable, and must be used in the training you are applying for.
MOLC’s Zeb Leavitt scholarship fund subsidizes individuals who otherwise would not be able to afford: Registered Maine Guide Training Program and Women’s Skill Building Retreat.
SCHOLARSHIP FAQs
Who is eligible for MOLC’s Zeb Leavitt Scholarship? Anyone may apply for a scholarship, who might not otherwise be able to afford the training on their own.
Age Requirements: 18 and older
How are applications evaluated?
Maine Guide Program: Applications will be evaluated based on experience and passion in the woods and on the waters. Preference is given to individuals who show a commitment to guiding others, sharing wisdom and knowledge of Maine’s natural resources and giving back to the outdoor community.
Women’s Skill Building Program: Love for the outdoors and what skills you are wanting to fine tune.
How long does the scholarship award process typically take? You will be notified within two week of receiving the application by email or phone when the financial scholarship eligibility decision has been made. Scholarships cannot be applied to courses or activities already registered for.
Who will be reviewing my application? A small subset of the staff reviews all scholarship applications. All information and monies awarded are kept confidential between Maine’s Outdoor Learning Center and the recipient, and kept secure.
What information will I need to complete my application? We are striving to create a dignified application process. You will be asked for standard identification information, a bit of demographics, and submission of a 500 word essay that includes:
- Current experience in the woods and waters
- What would make this scholarship meaningful to you and how you might pay it forward to others who are in need
- How you intend to use your guiding privileges once you become a Registered Maine Guide
Thank you for your Support
We are so grateful as MOLC’s scholarships are made possible by generous contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations. to name a few; Steve Robbins, Linda Bean, Massabesic Health Resources, Portside Real Estate Group, Hardypond Construction; The Garand Family, Cardiac Anesthesia, Big Pop's Peanut Brittle. We count on these donations from you the people, this very important part of our mission.
in Memory of Zeb Leavitt 2000 - 2020
Zeb Leavitt Scholarship Fund
Credit Card: Link Below DONATE NOW
Check Payable to: Zeb Leavitt Scholarship Fund
Maine's Outdoor Learning Center
Lincolnville, Maine 04849
Words from his Mates
Fellow Woodsmen and Woods-women
Zeb had a great influence on me, “At times I thought getting into the Guide world at age 62 was kinda silly, maybe I didn’t have it . But working, playing and laughing beside Zeb for an intense week, gave me a youthful inspiration I have taken to heart and will take into the field with me. His positive, effervescent, can do anything attitude, revealed a spirit worthy of adoption by anyone of any age. Thanks Zeb! - Al Harris
Zeb was such a compassionate person who was so much fun to be around. He loved to share his passion for the outdoors with us, not because he wanted to "one up" anyone in telling stories or to make someone look bad or feel foolish, but because he was a natural teacher. He combined humor and knowledge in a way that is often hard to find. I spent 32 years in combined public safety and military service. After years of being in leadership positions, I can honestly say I wish more young people had his soul. I for one, will miss his shining light.
- Jeremy LeClair
Zeb was full of passion… for the experience, for understanding, for connection. Conversations with him were thought provoking and enlightening. His presence brought pure joy!
- Cindy Maloney
Zeb was a great guy. In that one short week, he definitely left a lasting impression on me. He was so knowledgeable and passionate about the outdoors and was willing to share his knowledge and passion with others. I was struggling with tree and fish identification and he sat down with me and helped me get a grasp on it. Once I did, he was just as excited as I was. He wanted me to get it and was willing to take as much time as it took for me to get it.
I remember having a full conversation with him about cows. He told me about the farm he grew up on and about some new cows he had gotten recently. At this point in the conversation, I just knew milk came from cows and that was about the extent of my knowledge and interest. He shared with me his wealth of knowledge on cows and his passion and enthusiasm captivated me and really drew me in. When Zeb spoke, you couldn't help but pay attention and invest in the conversation.
I really enjoyed the time I spent interacting with him. He was full of light and his sense of humor was unmatched. He was really a joy to be around and the world is a sadder place without him. - Ben Clark
Because of him I saw my first shooting star. He and instructor Greg carried me out to the road, because I had twisted my ankle. Sweet soul with an amazing smile and laugh. I Feel blessed to have spent a week with him. He Loved life to the fullest! - Sonya Clark
MOLC Folk...
One day last summer when Zeb arrived at our doorstep… it was just a normal day for the MOLC crew… and then world around us changed forever, and everything normal opened up to an abundance of possibility of laughter, learning, and story-telling around the campfire.
Thank you Zeb, for sharing your Amazing Light with us all. - John and Tami
Zeb and I had a few deep talks about life and philosophy of life. I remember talking to him about Siddartha and he told me about Ignatius of Loyola. We had both promised to read about the other...It was a moment of connection on a deeper level as we discussed their similarities. Zeb was a very deep and understanding man. He will be missed.
- Greg Sarnacki