Frequently Asked Questions
Questions received at llaflin@fchn.org may be posted below.
Career Training/Education
FAQs > Career Training/Education > Question
Q: Where can I find assistance to help me pay for more school?
If you are looking to find a way to pay for a higher education for youself, the Parents as Scholars program may help you.
What is the Parents as Scholars program?
The Parents as Scholars program is an assistance program for parents who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and would like to get a post secondary degree in a two or four year program.
Who is eligible for this program?
If you are on TANF and have a child or children then you qualify for this program.
What are the benefits if I join this program?
Child Care: for children under the age of 13. If a child is 13 or older and has a physical or mental condition and cannot take care of himself/herself, childcare will be provided.
Transportation:
Transportation is reimbursed at .24 cents per mile (up to a maximum of 400 miles per week). Reimbursement is also available for public transportation and car-pooling. Taxi fare is available for temporary assistance when needed.Car Repairs:
The PaS program will pay up to a maximum of $500 in a year for needed car repairs. The vehicle must be registered to the PaS family.Auto Insurance: PaS will pay the minimum liability insurance required by Maine law up to a maximum cost of $300 for the time that you are enrolled in PaS. If the vehicle is owned jointly with another person, or used by another person, PaS will only pay your share of the cost.
Eye Care:
PaS will pay the cost of eye care, not covered by MaineCare, that is necessary to participate in school. This includes glasses up to $200 per year. If you have a special vision problem, the program may exceed this amount to cover the least expensive option to correct the problem.Dental Care:
PaS will pay for the cost of dental care which is not covered by MaineCare, and will help with pain or help the participant become employed. PaS will pay the least expensive cost for care up to a maximum of $2000 for the time that you are enrolled in the program.Books and Supplies:
PaS will pay up to $750 per academic year for books and supplies that are required for everyone in the class. PaS will only pay for books and supplies if you don’t have enough left from your financial aid grant (not including loans) to cover expenses.Clothing and Uniforms:
PaS will pay for clothing and uniforms required by your program. PaS will also pay for emergency clothing to meet needs (such as a winter coat). Clothing and uniform costs are limited to $500 in a year.Tuition and Mandatory school fees:
PaS will not usually pay tuition or mandatory fees. It will be up to the student to apply for financial aid for these items.How do I apply for PaS?
If you are not getting TANF benefits now, you will need to:
Apply for TANF: If you are not currently on TANF right now, you must apply for TANF benefits at a local DHHS office. The TANF application is the same application that is used for the PaS program.
Orientation meeting: While your TANF eligibility is being determined, you will be required to attend a group orientation meeting. At the meeting you should be told about the PaS program, as well as other options available in the TANF program.
Meet with the case manager:
Next you will meet with your case manager. Tell the case manager that you would like to join the PaS program. Ask for the PaS application form, fill it out and give it back to your case manager.Written decision:
You should get a written decision, within 30 days of your request telling you whether or not you will be admitted to the PaS program.If you are receiving TANF benefits now, you will need to:
Apply for PaS at any time: You can apply for the PaS program at any time. Ask your case manager for an application. Complete the form and return it to your case manager. (Be prepared to show that you meet the six eligibility requirements)
Written decision:
You should get a written decision within 30 days.What are the six eligibility requirements?
You are enrolled in a two or four year post secondary degree program
You do not already have a bachelor’s degree in a field in which work is available for you
You do not have the skills to earn at least 85% of Maine’s median wage ($41,985 for a family of three)
The degree that you will be receiving will improve your ability to support your family
You have the aptitude to complete the educational program that you have chosen
How will I know if my educational program and support services have been approved?
The Maine Community Foundation (MCF) announces the establishment of the Hugh and Elizabeth Montgomery Scholarship. This renewable scholarship supports non-traditional (beyond high school age) students from Franklin County returning to school to continue their education.
Scholarship applications must be postmarked by August 15, 2007. Applications are available at MCF's website, www.mainecf.org, and through MSAD 9 Adult and Community Education (contact Betty Gensel at 778-0259 with questions). The MCF is partnering with the Franklin County Community College Network to make scholarships available to eligible students.
There is preference for students for whom a scholarship would make a significant difference in their ability to attend school. First-time applicants need not be enrolled in a degree-granting program, but are encouraged to make that commitment before applying for renewal consideration.
Hugh and Elizabeth (Betty) Montgomery were residents of Phillips, Maine, who believed in accessible, affordable post-secondary education. This fund was established through a bequest of Mrs. Montgomery.
A statewide organization with offices in Ellsworth and Portland, the Maine Community Foundation partners with donors and community groups to strengthen Maine communities.
