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Employment Assistance Program (EAP)

Employment Assistance Program (EAP) – assists members of the Penobscot Nation who have job skills, to obtain and retain permanent full-time employment. Financial assistance may be provided for transportation, work clothing, tools, subsistence, childcare, and other reasonable expenses related to accepting new employment. Financial assistance is also available for small business start-up. Applicants must reside on or near the Penobscot Nation reservation.

Click here for an application for the EAP prgram for direct employment

Click here for an application for the EAP program for self employment (small-business)

Higher Education Grant Program (HEGP)

Higher Education Grant Program (HEGP) – provides scholarship assistance to members of the Penobscot Nation who are seeking to earn their bachelor’s degree through a properly accredited higher education institution. Scholarships may be used to pay for tuition, fees, room & board, books, subsistence.

Adult Vocational Training Program (AVT)

Adult Vocational Training Program (AVT) – provides scholarship assistance to members of the Penobscot Nation who are seeking to earn their associate degree, diploma or certification through a properly accredited higher education institution. Scholarships may be used to pay for vocational training expenses including tuition, fees, room, books, supplies, tools, uniforms and subsistence.

Native Employment Works Program (NEW)

Native Employment Works Program (NEW) – Provides job training education funds for members of the Penobscot Nation who have a dependent child/children and who are receiving some form of public assistance. Supportive services may be available to help pay for educational expenses, transportation costs and childcare. Participants must reside on or near the Penobscot Nation Reservation.

Kohkəməssənena Scholarship
(Our Grandmother)

This annual scholarship was established to assist one Penobscot tribal member pursuing post-secondary education at an accredited, non-profit institution. This includes undergraduate as well as graduate programs. Awards are based on financial need for un-met tuition expenses only. Awards will not be based on academic achievement/ grades.

Please check back for more information and/or an application on the 2024 award.

Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA)

Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA) – helps clients facing barriers to employment by providing job training and other services that may result in increased employment and earnings, increases educational and occupational skills. Supportive services include providing an hourly training wage to those participating in the Work Experience component of the program. Tuition, fees, books and other educational expenses may be available to those enrolled in the Classroom Training component. Applicants must reside in the State of Maine.

Click here for an application for the WIOA program

Penobscot Fellowship Program

Penobscot Fellowship Program- provides financial assistance to members of the Penobscot Nation who are seeking to earn their master’s degree, certificate of advanced study, or doctorate degree through a properly accredited higher education institution. Scholarships may be used to pay for tuition, fees, room & board, books, subsistence.

Summer Youth Program

Information about the 2025 Summer Youth program will be available at a later date. Please check back!

Thank you!


* All programs have eligibility requirements, funding limits and guidelines.
Please contact the Department of Education and Career Services for more information, if you have any questions or if you are unsure which application to fill out.