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January 13

UMF program gives community support

By David Robinson drobinson@onlinesentinel.com
Staff Writer, Morning Sentinel

FARMINGTON -- A new civic service initiative at University of Maine at Farmington is putting more college students to work in the community and supporting small businesses, municipalities and other local organizations.

President Theodora J. Kalikow unveiled the UMF Partnership for Civic Advancement during a press conference this week on the college's campus, where she announced Bangor Savings Bank Foundation is donating $45,000 to help fund the student internship program, which launches in the fall semester.

The college's program, which is getting $15,000 per year from the financial institution, has a goal of giving the undergraduate students vital work experience in a way that also benefits their community, Kalikow said.

"This is a great partnership and a great way to make a difference in the community," she said.

About 20 students are expected to participate in the internships each year, getting paid a stipend through the program. Each project will be unique and support activities that focus on community development, according to Celeste Branham, vice president of student and community services at the college.

Branham plans to work with members of the western Maine community to identify fields that will benefit from the program, with meetings scheduled in the coming weeks to determine where to place student interns.

Students will probably be working with municipal government, small business, social service groups and nonprofit organizations, with the assignments based on the student's skills and the level of demand in the community, Branham said.

Bangor Savings Bank will also sponsor an annual event to recognize the contributions the student interns, their faculty mentors and partnering businesses and organizations have made to the community, according to statement from Kalikow.

"This is an exciting moment for both the university and Bangor Savings Bank as we find new ways to work together to benefit the community while enhancing student learning with meaningful, hands-on experience in professionally-based work environments," she said.

David Robinson -- 861-9287

drobinson@centralmaine.com

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