The Mitchell Institute is a

501(c)(3) A 501(c)(3) organization is a United States corporation, trust, unincorporated association or other type of organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of Title 26 of the United States Code. It is one of the 29 types of ...

non-profit organization A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...

headquartered in Portland, Maine. Its mission is to increase the likelihood that young people from

Maine Maine () is a state in the New England and Northeastern regions of the United States. It borders New Hampshire to the west, the Gulf of Maine to the southeast, and the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec to the northeast and nor ...

will aspire to, pursue and achieve a college education. The Institute was founded by

George J. Mitchell George John Mitchell Jr. (born August 20, 1933) is an American politician, diplomat, and lawyer. A leading member of the Democratic Party, he served as a United States senator from Maine from 1980 to 1995, and as Senate Majority Leader from ...

and is supported by donors throughout

. The Institute features a quotation from

that ''"no one should be guaranteed success ... but everyone should have a fair chance to succeed."''

Scholarships for residents of Maine

Each year "Mitchell Scholars" are awarded annual scholarships on the basis of academic potential, community service, and financial need. Recipients must be residents of

who will be entering their first year of an accredited college or university. Beginning in 2006 the scholarship award is $1,250 a year for up to four years. In addition the Institute also grants "Pioneer Scholarship Awards". The scholarships are not to be confused with the Mitchell Scholarships granted by the US-Ireland Alliance.

Great Maine Schools Project

The Institute also operates the Great Maine Schools Project, a statewide high school reform initiative. It is funded by a grant from the

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), a merging of the William H. Gates Foundation and the Gates Learning Foundation, is an American private foundation founded by Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates. Based in Seattle, Washington, it was ...

References

External links

* {{official website, http://www.mitchellinstitute.org Non-profit organizations based in Maine Organizations established in 1999 Scholarships 1999 establishments in Maine