Maranacook Adult Education CDL Scholarship Application

The Maranacook Adult Education CDL Scholarship provides financial support for those students who may not be able to cover the costs of the CDL training program. Students who apply and are accepted, are eligible to receive discounted CDL course pricing from $1,000 to $4,750. Apply online at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBSwi_gwb7XNVgZOxWk-UfbKDoksNgnveQ-EG9qlOf7FhhWg/viewform?usp=header

H.O.P.E. Scholarship (Higher Opportunities for Pathways to Employment)

To apply for a HOPE Scholarship, you must be a Maine resident, ages 16 to 64. Additional financial eligibility requirements are posted on their website. Apply online at: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/HOPE-Application_0.pdf

CSSP (Competitive Skills Scholarship Program)

To apply for the CSSP, you must be: 18 years old, high school graduate (or equivalent), live in Maine, be seeking a credential (CDL) in a higher wage/in demand position, have a household income less than 200% of the federal poverty level, and have the ability to complete the training or education program. The applicant cannot have a “marketable post-secondary degree”. Apply online at: https://me.accessgov.com/labor/Forms/Page/dol-cssp/mecompetitiveskills/1

Adult Learner Scholarship (Maine Community Foundation)

The adult learner scholarship is a $1,500 scholarship for a Maine non-traditional student that wants to change their life for the better through education and training. The scholarship supports completing a certificate program like CDL. To be eligible to apply, you must meet ONE of the following criteria: (1) be over the age of 25, (2) work full time while enrolled or (3) have dependents (children). Apply online at: https://www.mainecf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Adult-Learner-short-term-2024.docx

Vocational Rehabilitation

Vocational rehabilitation may be able to assist you in obtaining a CDL Class B licensure, if you have a diagnosed with a physical or mental impairment that inhibits your ability to obtain employment, . For more information, click: https://www.maine.gov/rehab/dvr/vr.shtml

MMTA Loan Assistance Program

The Maine Motor Transport Association loan program was discontinued in March of 2025.

Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC)

Students interested in funding through EMDC must first contact EMDC at workforce@emdc.org or by phone/text at 207-991-0147 to talk with the EMDC referral team. The referral team will then give the student the name of a workforce development specialist who will contact the student within 5 working days to schedule an appointment.

Maine Blue Collar Scholarship Fund

The Maine Blue Collar Scholarship Fund is awarded to high school students who are “pursuing training in the trades or manufacturing”. Scholarships range from $500 to $2,500 and can be used for training costs, books, uniforms, tools, or housing. Any student who is a Maine resident is encouraged to apply! The deadline is April 15th. There is an online application that includes an essay. The application can be found at: https://mainebluecollar.com/scholarship-application

SNAP Employment and Training Program

Eligibility for SNAP is based on income, assets, expenses, and household size. You will need to fill out an application, complete an interview, and provide verification of your household’s income, identity, citizenship status, assets, and other items depending on your household circumstances. Call SNAP at 207-400-5853 to find out more about their employment and training opportunities.

P.E.O. Sisterhood Grant

This grant is offered to women who are pursuing a certification program to help them advance their employment opportunities. Candidates must receive a recommendation from their local P.E.O. chapter (similar to other civic clubs, like Kiwanis). The amount is up to $3,000. Apply online by filling out the form at: https://www.peointernational.org/program-continuing-education-potential-applicant-form

Maine O.J.T. Scholarship

The Maine On-The-Job Training Program offers scholarships to women, minorities and the disadvantaged to assist them in gaining the truck driving skills necessary to work on road and bridge construction jobs within the state of Maine. To apply, a candidate must meet one of the following criteria: (1) No diploma or GED, (2) On public assistance, (3) Custodial single parent, (4) Criminal record, (5) Homeless (6) Chronically unemployed. Please click on this link to fill out the application: https://me.accessgov.com/mdot/Forms/Page/mdot/onthejobtraining/1