MBTA Educational Foundation

The Maine Better Transportation Association has a separate 501(c) 3 charitable foundation, the MBTA Educational Foundation, that awards scholarships to Maine students in relevant degree programs at community colleges and universities.  Deadline for applications is October 1 and awards will be sent to institutions in advance of the Spring Semester.  Students must complete the application form or provide all the required information in a resume/cover letter.  This includes a statement (minimum of 150 words) describing your interest in transportation construction or engineering, or related fields such as construction, trades, aviation, diesel mechanics, etc.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Scholarship recipients are selected by the Foundation Board of Directors, and preference is often given to students attending Maine colleges or universities, apart from the Millard Pray Scholarship which goes to students affiliated with CPM Constructors.  Preference is also given to students who have worked in the transportation, construction, engineering, or related field, and/or who have shown other indications that construction or transportation is their career of choice.  Applicants must have:

  • Completed high school or the equivalent and be enrolled in a relevant program of study.
  • Areas of study may include civil engineering, construction management, construction trades, marine, rail or aviation studies, heavy equipment operation, electrical, diesel mechanic or similar majors.
  • Applicants must write an essay (minimum of 150 words) describing why they wish to pursue a transportation- or construction-related career.
  • A copy of transcript is required (official or unofficial is fine).
  • Resume required with work history, honors, references, and any other information applicant may want to share.

The Selection Committee scores the applications as follows:

  • Academics: 30%
  • Work History: 30%
  • Written Essay: 30%
  • References/Community Service: 10%

Transportation Trailblazer Scholarship:  Up to $2,000

The Trailblazer Scholarship is awarded for one to three years, provided the student is still enrolled in an undergraduate program in a transportation-related field. This award typically goes to a student attending college in Maine who has demonstrated leadership, has a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and is likely to remain in the transportation or construction industry in Maine.

Kenneth W. Burrill Scholarship:  Amount: Up to $1,500

This award was created in 2008 to honor an MBTA past president and long-time advocate for construction and transportation investment. Ken Burrill had a long history with H.E. Sargent and affiliated companies and served as president of Bridgecorp. He had a passion for politics and served as finance chair for some of Maine’s most prominent politicians including Susan Collins.  He was the chief fundraiser for dozens of state highway and transportation bond referendum campaigns over 30 years. 

Timothy M. Folster Scholarship:  Minimum of $1,000

Tim Folster worked for H.E. Sargent, Sargent & Sargent, and Sargent Corporation for over 40 years, retiring in 2019 as Vice President of Operations. To honor his significant contributions to the company, the state and to MBTA, Herb Sargent and the employees of Sargent Corp. donated $50,000 to name a scholarship for Tim.  A past MBTA president, Tim serves on the MBTA Board and chairs the MBTA Educational Foundation Board of Directors.  This award may go to a current or prospective engineering student, preferably civil or mechanical, who is committed to seeking employment in Maine, particularly in the construction industry.  Preference may be given to a family member of an employee at Sargent.

Frank A. Healy Scholarship:  Amount: $1,000

The Frank A. Healy Scholarship was established by his two colleagues in the construction industry: Rodney Lane and John Wardwell, with contributions from MBTA, and friends and members of Frank’s family.  A visionary past president of MBTA, Frank created the MBTA Infrastructure Development Fund, to ensure that the association would have reserved funds for future education and advocacy campaigns.  He was a mentor to many inside and outside The Lane Construction Corporation, where he retired after a long and distinguished career. In addition to his generosity, he was a fierce advocate for transportation and industry.  Preference may be given to students at community colleges or UMaine, or who work for Northeast Paving, Dirigo Materials, or any Eurovia company (formerly The Lane Construction Corporation).

Millard W. Pray:  Amount Varies

This fund was established in 2003 by Eldon Morrison of CPM Constructors in honor of his friend and long-time business partner, Millard Pray, who joined the company in 1986. Matching funds were provided by MBTA members. Pray is a past president of MBTA and, along with his colleague Don Raye, was instrumental in expanding the scope and reach of the MBTA Educational Foundation. Millard is a self-taught, self-made individual who learned on the job and rose to the top of his profession. Millard makes the selections for the scholarship in his name, which goes to students who are affiliated with CPM Constructors.

Scholarships for Specific Colleges

The following scholarships are only open to students in the following Maine schools:

  • Northern Maine Community College Paris Snowe Award. Amount: $500 – $1,000
  • UMaine Lucius Barrows Scholarship for Civil Engineering (CE) Amount: Up to $1,500
  • UMaine Construction Engineering Technology (CET) Amount: Up to $1,500
  • Southern Maine Community College. Amount: $500 – $1,000
  • Washington County Community College. Amount: $500 – $1,000
  • Eastern Maine Community College, Central Maine Community College, Kennebec County Community College. Amount: $500 to $1,000
  • Maine Maritime Academy Scholarship. Amount: $1,000

Questions?  Call MBTA at 207-622-0526 or maria@mbtaonline.org