FFD Recognized for Commitment to Parents and Families
SCEC, on behalf of Family Futures Downeast, was selected as a recipient of the prestigious FamilyU Seal, awarded by Generation Hope. This national, threeyear certification, honors higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations making significant strides in serving student parents and their families.“ In order for higher education to spark real stability and prosperity for more families, this movement must continue to grow," said Nicole Lynn Lewis, Founder and CEO of Generation Hope.
Sunrise Scholarship
With assistance from the Next Generation Foundation, SCEC awarded eight scholarships totaling $ 3,145 in 2025 to help local residents improve job stability, increase earning potential, and stay employed within Washington County.
Recipients of the Sunrise Scholarship in 2025 work in the following sectors: healthcare, construction, outdoor recreation, hospitality, and trades.
Ambrosia Ross, StartUp Downeast participant and founder of Theater of Dice, is presented with cash prizes at the 2025 Top Gun program in Machias, organized by Maine Center for Entrepreneurs and Northern Maine Development Commission, with support from SCEC.
The Gracie Fund
In 2025, student loan repayment awards of $ 31,000 were distributed to seven Gracie Fund recipients.
The Gracie Fund, a Maine Community Foundation program that SCEC co-administers, offers student loan reimbursement incentives to encourage recent graduates from Washington County to establish roots in their communities following completion of their post-secondary education.
$ 31,000
Student loan reimbursement amount awarded to seven Gracie Fund recipients in 2025
StartUp Downeast
StartUp Downeast( SUDE) is a no-cost program that guides participants from college into small business ownership. SUDE coaches help remove barriers to post-secondary education, and provide business coaching.
In 2025, additional 2Gen / Whole Family supports were incorporated into the StartUp Downeast program, as most participants are parents, including many noncustodial parents.
StartUp Downeast participants have opened three small businesses in the past two years with the help of 1:1 coaching. sunrisecounty. org | 11