Scholarships for Elementary School Students
cPort Credit Union in Maine is proud to partner with elementary schools and after school programs in our Portland and Augusta communities to provide this innovative career aspirations program and award scholarships for elementary school students throughout the area. We believe that it's never too early for students to start preparing for life after high school.
2026 Elementary Scholarship Program Recap
We have completed the 19th year of our Career Aspirations Scholarship Program! This year, we read lots of fantastic essays, hosted inspiring brainstorming workshops, and introduced a brand-new scholarship award.
5 schools and after-school programs in the Augusta, Gardiner, and Portland areas participated in the Career Aspirations Program this year. Early in the spring, cPort employees visited each of those schools and after-school programs to run a Career Aspirations workshop with the students. During these workshops, students talk through their ideas of what a career is, what they would like their future career to be, and the steps they will need to take to get there. After the workshops, students write essays that describe their dream career path.
This year, over 200 students submitted essays! cPort employees picked 40 winners from all the essays we received. Among those 40 winners, a select few received the brand-new Gene Ardito Scholarship Award! This award is named after Gene Ardito, cPort’s former President and CEO and the creator of the Career Aspirations program.
Thank you to every school, after school program, teacher, principal, staff member, parent, guardian, and friend of the program for making this year a success! We are deeply grateful to each and every one of you for your time and commitment to encouraging the aspirations of these students. This program is at the core of what we do, and it would not be possible without your help!
About Our Maine Credit Union’s Elementary Scholarship Program
The cPort Career Aspirations Program began as "Riverton & Beyond" at Gerald E. Talbot Community School in 2008 and has since expanded to multiple schools in our local communities.
2008 – Gerald E. Talbot Community School
2010 – Lillian P. Hussey Elementary School, Farrington Elementary School, Sylvio J. Gilbert School, and Lincoln School
2011 – Ocean Avenue School
2013 – Reiche Elementary School
2015 – Presumpscot Elementary School
2016 – Wentworth School
The program begins with students in grades 5-6 participating in an aspirations workshop with cPort employees. Following the workshops, students are encouraged to write an application essay for a $100 scholarship focused on their interests and future career aspirations. cPort staff read the essays and select recipients based on effort, creativity, and their passion for their future goals. As of 2026, one student from each school whose essay stood out from the rest will win the $250 Gene Ardito scholarship award. This award recognizes a student whose essay demonstrates significant potential, determination, and positive community impact.
The scholarships are awarded to recipients in a school-wide ceremony, where all participants are acknowledged with a t-shirt and certificate of participation.
We believe that this program is truly making a difference for students by encouraging them to dream big and plan early.