PORTLAND, Maine — The University of Maine System announced Wednesday it will offer free tuition to the victims and families of the Lewiston mass shooting.
"As requested by Gov. Mills, the University of Maine System will ensure the cost of college is not a barrier for those directly impacted by the tragedy by providing free tuition and establishing a fund to support other postsecondary educational expenses," the UMaine System stated in a news release.
Those eligible for the free tuition include those who were physically injured and surviving family members of those killed in the Oct. 25 tragedy, according to the release.
The Lewiston Strong Tuition Waver was announced by Gov. Mills, UMaine System Chancellor Dannel Malloy, and the UMaine System Board of Trustees. The tuition waiver for eligible victims will allow them to pursue a bachelor's degree through any of Maine's public universities, the release stated.
"Chancellor Malloy said UMS decided to develop the waiver after Gov. Mills asked the System to establish a scholarship fund for those directly impacted by the October tragedy," the release said. "The System built on the Governor’s request, agreeing to waive tuition altogether and also creating a fund to accept donations toward the non-tuition college costs of those affected by the mass shooting."
The UMaine System said it estimates that more than 80 individuals impacted by the Lewiston mass shooting could have their tuition and fees waived.
"Those eligible include spouses and biological, adopted, and stepchildren of the 18 individuals who were killed, as well as the 31 Mainers who sustained physical injuries connected to the shootings," the release said. "The System is working with the Office of the Maine Attorney General to verify eligibility."
To make a four-year degree even more accessible to those impacted by the Lewiston shootings, the UMaine System has also launched a Lewiston Strong Scholarship Fund, which the public can donate to. The purpose of the scholarship, which will be managed by the University of Maine Foundation, is to help defray other college costs aside from tuition, such as room and board and books. The scholarship will also be rewarded with preference given to those who are eligible for the Lewiston Strong Tuition Waiver, according to the release.
"I thank the University of Maine System for establishing the Lewiston Strong Tuition Waiver and Scholarship Fund, which will ensure that the cost of higher education will never be a barrier for those directly impacted by the tragedy in Lewiston," Gov. Mills said in the release. "Through their boundless generosity, Maine people are demonstrating that our state will stand by those who were injured and the families of those who were killed in the months, years, and decades to come."
You can learn more about the University of Maine System here.
