In the past two years, Western Maine CA$H awarded two scholarships to students at the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF).   To qualify students must take a relevant course of study, prepare taxes for at least 75% of the tax sessions, and receive a recommendation from the tax site instructor. The $600 awards were made possible because of funding received from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Bobbie Wheeler, tax site coordinator shared her enthusiasm about this opportunity.  “The students that I have worked with have been excellent.  They have effectively prepared returns while having positive interactions with clients. The scholarship awarded by CA$H has been a helpful incentive for these busy students who are involved in several other organizations on campus.” says Wheeler.

Devin Gatera received a scholarship in 2016, his junior year at UMF. Devin continued to prepare taxes his senior year and was instrumental in recruiting Houdji Hillary Celeste Gnidehoue, this year’s scholarship recipient, who is also a senior at UMF.  Celeste is pictured receiving her award with United Way of the Tri-Valley Area’s Community Resource Coordinator, Nichole Ernest. Both Devin and Celeste found their tax prep experience to be very rewarding, and helpful in positioning themselves for life beyond the classroom.