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Smarts, sports or solid waste: there’s a scholarship for that

A scholarship for students who are pursuing careers in solid waste management, engineering and environmental science.

PORTLAND (NEWS CENTER Maine) -- When it comes to paying for college, scholarships can provide some financial relief. We often think of scholarships connected to athletics and academics but there are some more specific ones, catered to a student’s interest. Take solid waste management, for example.

The Steve Parker Scholarship Awards Program offers money for current high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students who are pursuing degrees related to solid waste management, environmental science and engineering. It’s offered through the Northern New England Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA).

This year’s winner is Freeport High School senior, Taylor Dostie who is going to the University of Rhode School of Engineering.

"Whenever I tell someone I'm going into engineering they say always say, 'women in engineering we need that!'" says Dostie.

She’s entering a five-year international program, that will require her to spend part of her college career abroad. Given she took several years of Spanish in high school, Dostie hopes her travels take her to Spain.

The scholarship winner was selected from dozens of students who applied from across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. It awards $1,000 and Dostie says while it doesn't sound like much it will help when it’s time to travel internationally.

"This industry wants to make sure that we engage with students," says Kevin Roche, CEO of ecomaine, "they are really the future of solid waste management."

The award was created in memory of a founding member of the SWANA northern New England chapter. This is the second year in a row it has been given to Freeport High School student.


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