NSB Contributes $10,000 to the Mitchell Institute

PORTLAND — Since 1995, the Mitchell Institute has recognized and celebrated the progress, purpose, and potential of Main’s students, providing Mitchell Scholars from every public high school in Maine with resources to help fulfill their dreams of a college education. Over 4,000 Scholars have benefitted in the last three decades. In addition, the organization offers a range of additional supports, including fellowship grants, emergency funding, leadership programs, and career guidance.

Norway Savings Bank is a longtime supporter of the positive impact made by the Institute, including a recent donation of $10,000 to assist young people aspiring to reach new heights.

“When you meet the Scholars, you can see how special these students are and how much they appreciate the assistance they receive from the Institute. We’re honored to play a small part in helping them strive for their dreams,” said Dan Walsh, President and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. “Over 44% of recent scholars were the first in their families to attend college and yet they graduate at a significantly higher rate (90%) than the national average (58%). It’s so inspiring.”

Scholars are selected based on academic promise, community impact, and financial need, and each carries a story of drive, perseverance, and achievement in the face of adversity, with 80% of Scholars coming from households earning less than Maine’s median family income.

“They go on to do incredible things in their communities,” said Janice de Lima, Community Reinvestment Act Officer VP at Norway Savings Bank. “In providing this support to the Institute, NSB is helping to ensure the spirit and enthusiasm of young people from every community in Maine are nourished and celebrated, and we’re grateful for the opportunity.” 

“It has consistently empowered me to explore. I’ve changed directions many times, sometimes by choice and sometimes not,” said Adriana Ortiz-Burnham, a Monmouth Academy alum and development lead for Presente! Maine which offers aid to displaced and dispossessed Afro/Indigenous-Latines. “The Institute was there through it all, investing material and intangible resources in me and my future, reflecting my potential back at me.”

“As a Scholar, I’ve joined a lifelong community dedicated to helping one another thrive,” said Ideh Rohani, a graduate of Edward Little High School who now serves as a Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator for MaineHealth. “Having witnessed firsthand how the Institute transforms Scholars and strengthens communities, I am deeply grateful to be part of this network, one that is committed to advancing Maine’s future.”

To learn more about the Mitchell Institute, its work, or to learn how you can help the organization in its mission, visit www.mitchellinstitute.org.