Key Events in the Development of Scholarship
and Support Services for Native Students
at the University of Maine

-May 1934:  The University of Maine trustees voted to create the first Native American scholarship at the University of Maine. The scholarship offered free tuition to up to five students from the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot tribes.

-May 1966: The State Board of Education voted to expand the scholarship, offering free tuition, fees, and, when available, room and board to one Maine Indian student in each class at each of the five state colleges, each of the vocational/technical institutes, and each of the schools of practical nursing.  Furthermore, free tuition (only) was extended to as many Maine Indians as were accepted for enrollment.

-November 1971: The University of Maine trustees again expanded the scholarship.  The scholarship, covering both tuition and on-campus room and board, was extended beyond the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot tribes to cover all academically qualified North American Indians residing in Maine for at least a year.  Scholarship eligibility was extended to those whose name was included on the tribal census of a North American Indian tribe, as well as the children and grandchildren of those listed on a tribal census. 

-January 1973: Office of Indian Programs and Services created in Student Affairs division at University of Maine to assist Native Scholarship students through tutoring and career counseling, to develop links with Native communities, and to help develop curricula fostering a better understanding of Maine Native peoples.

-March 1995: The Board of Trustees of the University of Maine system created The Wabanaki Center, a reconfiguration of the Office of Indian Programs, in conjunction with the Native American Studies Program.  Its goals included developing a collaborative relationship with the Native communities of Maine, coordinating activities promoting awareness of Native cultures at the University of Maine, serving as a research institute, and providing academic and personal support for Native students. The new Wabanaki Center reported to the Vice President of Academic Affairs at the University of Maine.

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