Our Mission
To prepare great women for the world, and the world for great women.
What We Do
The Miss Maine Scholarship Program provides young women in Maine opportunities to win scholarships to further their educational goals as well as a supportive environment for personal and professional development. Participants ignite their potential by sharpening their leadership, communication, and public presentation skills during preparatory workshops. They put their learning into action in the Miss Maine and Miss Maine’s Outstanding Teen competitions.
The Miss Maine Scholarship Program, Inc.
The Miss Maine Scholarship Competition is the official state preliminary to Miss America, one of the worlds largest sources of scholarships for women. The Miss America Organization and its state licensees maintain a tradition of empowering young women to achieve personal and professional excellence. The Miss Maine Scholarship Program has awarded over $2 million dollars in scholarship money to over 600 young women since 1980.
The woman chosen as Miss Maine receives thousands of dollars in college scholarships, as well as the chance to compete for the title of Miss America. She works with the organization’s sponsors directly, as each of them contribute to her readiness plan to become Miss America. Each local titleholder earns valuable experience in communications and interviewing skills, personal branding, and social impact project development, and is considered for additional scholarship awards.
The Miss Maine Scholarship Program, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. There are no paid staff members. All of our work is accomplished through our generous volunteers.
Everyone wins…
“The scholarship opportunities from the Miss Maine program are outstanding! I competed for four years, and I am proud to say that I paid for two years of college without even winning the state title.”
— Shannon Dobbins, 2009 Second Runner Up
Volunteer
The Miss Maine Scholarship Program is a non-profit organization made possible by the efforts of hundreds of volunteers. The Miss America Organization maintains one of the strongest volunteer networks in this country.
Want to be a part of the Miss Maine family but have limited time to spare? We have jobs of all shapes and sizes. To find a job that best fits your interests, skills and time requirements, complete the form below. You'll be amazed at the difference you can make with just a few hours a year!
Make a Difference! Become a Volunteer!
The guidelines for volunteering are the following:
You must not be a family member of a contestant who is currently competing
You must be at least 21 years of age
You must not accept any money for your volunteer service
Video testimonials from our dedicated volunteers over the years.
Testimonials
“The scholarship opportunities from the Miss Maine program are outstanding!”
This is my fourth year competing, and I am proud to say that I have paid two years of college without winning the title.
— Shannon Dobbins, 2009 Second Runner Up
“I learned through this pageant how to be the best version of myself"
I learned through this pageant how to be the best version of myself no matter what the situation and how difficult it may be. I have gained self-confidence through this experience - being true to who I am and that I am a winner no matter what.
— Katherine Bell, Miss Cumberland County 2007
I've really learned a sense of self. I've gained so much confidence. I would like to public to know how positive this program is and that any girls is right for the pageant and can gain from it.
— Jona Cormier, Miss Old Port and winner of the Stephen Jensen Memorial Scholarship
“The Miss Maine Pageant is the best thing my daughter could have done for herself.”
I wish she had done it earlier!
— Linda Dunbar, mother of 2008 Third Runner Up Brittany Dunbar
“Incredible growing experience”
The Miss Maine Pageant program is an incredible growing experience for any young girl trying to gain confidence, social aptitude and community awareness. It is also an exceptional opportunity to win scholarship money for school and to network.
— Sarah Kohls, 2009 Miss Brunswick
“Running for Miss Maine was one of the best decisions I've made.”
I see my experience with the pageant as a stepping stone to getting where I am now. When I was talking about this with my boss the other day, I was explaining how Miss Maine has prepared me for the real world and she said that my interview with her really showed that. I'm further in my career than a lot of people my age, and I owe a lot of that to the Miss America program. Even outside my political career, pageantry has contributed to who I am. I keep telling people that running for Miss Maine was one of the best decisions I've made.
— Stefanie Veneziano, competed in 2009 and 2010. Winner of the Steven Jensen Memorial Scholarship in 2009
“Confidence and poise”
Not only has this program helped me have the confidence and poise I need in life, but also it has given me scholarships that I really needed for school next year.
— Maria Skillings, Second Runner Up 2010
“When my daughter, Katie, chose to run for the title of Miss Maine’s Outstanding Teen, I knew that we were entering unknown territory."
Pageants had never been a part of our world. We were a typical family whose knowledge of pageants was limited to watching Miss America crowned on television. The Miss Maine Scholarship Program continues to be a positive experience for Katie. I've watched her become a versatile performer, a confident speaker and an approachable role model. Although being crowned Miss Maine’s Outstanding Teen 2012 was an incredibly proud moment, her preparation for the pageant, her wonderful time with the other contestants during pageant week and the opportunities and appearances she’s had as a titleholder have been the icing on the cake.
- Beth Elliott, Mom to Miss Maine’s Outstanding Teen 2012 and Miss Maine 2017