Individual Learning Grants
The Georgetown Island Education Foundation (GIEF) Individual Learning Grants are pioneering student-centered opportunities designed to support Georgetown learners as they pursue meaningful educational experiences beyond the traditional classroom. Developed around student interests, goals, and passions, these grants empower young people to explore new ideas, deepen existing skills, and engage in enriching experiences that foster lifelong learning.
GIEF is proud to offer one of the only programs of its kind in the state of Maine. Since (YEAR STARTED), the foundation has awarded more than $(AMOUNT) to over (NUMBER) Georgetown students through these innovative grant opportunities.
Through the Individual Learning Grant Program, students have pursued experiences in athletics, music, visual and performing arts, entrepreneurship, skilled trades, literacy, outdoor education, leadership development, foreign language, community service projects, STEM programs, and more. Each grant reflects GIEF’s commitment to nurturing curiosity, creativity, confidence, and self-direction in Georgetown learners.
At the heart of this program is the belief that educational growth happens both inside and outside the classroom. GIEF created these grants not only to help remove financial barriers that may prevent students from pursuing their interests, but also to encourage initiative, leadership, independence, and personal growth within our island community.
Learn more about each grant opportunity below.
Elementary/Summer
Summer Discovery Grant
The Summer Discovery Grant supports Georgetown students participating in enriching summer learning experiences such as camps, workshops, outdoor programs, arts programs, academic enrichment opportunities, and specialized educational experiences. These grants help students explore interests, build new skills, and engage in meaningful summer learning opportunities. Learn more and Apply (HERE)
Middle School
8th Grade YMCA Freedom Tour Grant
The 8th Grade YMCA Freedom Tour Grant helps Georgetown middle school students participate in the annual Freedom Tour educational travel experience. This grant supports experiential learning opportunities that deepen students’ understanding of history, civic engagement, leadership, and social responsibility through travel and firsthand experiences. Learn more and Apply (HERE)
High School
Mentored Learning Grant
The Mentored Learning Grant supports high school students pursuing structured educational experiences guided by a mentor, instructor, coach, advisor, or professional in a particular field of interest. These grants encourage skill development, career exploration, and advanced learning through supported and guided educational opportunities. Learn more and Apply (HERE)
Student Initiative Grant
The Student Initiative Grant empowers high school students to design and pursue self-directed learning experiences based on their individual passions and goals. Whether launching a community project, developing a creative endeavor, pursuing independent research, or exploring entrepreneurship, this grant encourages innovation, leadership, and independent thinking. Learn more and Apply (HERE)
Summer Discovery Grant
The Summer Discovery Grant is offered by the Georgetown Island Education Foundation (GIEF) to support Georgetown students in grades K–12 as they participate in enriching educational summer camp experiences. Each year, GIEF awards a limited number of grants of up to $500 to help offset tuition costs for approved camps.
For the purpose of this grant, an “educational summer camp” includes any day or overnight program designed to create meaningful teaching and learning experiences for participants. These opportunities may span a wide range of interests, including but not limited to music, visual and performing arts, creative writing, theater, robotics, science, sailing, environmental education, foreign languages, gymnastics, woodworking, and other skill-building or enrichment-based programs.
The intent of the Summer Discovery Grant is to expand access to summer learning experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage students to explore new interests beyond the traditional classroom. If you are unsure whether a specific camp qualifies, please contact us at giefmaine@gmail.com for guidance.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Summer Discovery Grant, applicants must:
Be a student in grades K–12.
Be a resident of Georgetown, Maine.
Be applying for or enrolled in an educational summer camp or program occurring in the current grant year.
Submit a complete application by the stated deadline.
How to Apply
Apply (HERE link to google form) by April 1
Applications will be reviewed after the deadline, and award decisions will be communicated by mid-April.
Applicants may apply for funding toward a 2025 summer camp they are planning to attend or are already enrolled in.
8th Grade YMCA Freedom Tour Grant
The Freedom Tour Grant is offered by the Georgetown Island Education Foundation (GIEF) to support Georgetown students in 8th grade who are participating in the Bath YMCA Freedom Tour, a six-day experiential learning program designed to bring history, civic engagement, and leadership development to life through travel and hands-on learning.
The Freedom Tour, organized by the Bath Area Family YMCA, takes students on an immersive educational journey to historic sites and national landmarks in cities such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Through guided exploration, pre-trip learning sessions, and shared group experiences, students deepen their understanding of American history, democratic values, and civic responsibility while also building independence, confidence, and teamwork skills.
GIEF is committed to ensuring that every interested Georgetown 8th grader has the opportunity to participate in this transformational experience. The Freedom Tour Grant helps remove financial barriers and supports access to this meaningful educational opportunity.
Each eligible student receives a minimum grant of $100 toward program costs. Additional financial assistance is available through the Bath YMCA based on a separate need-based assessment process.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Middle School Freedom Tour Grant, students must:
Be a resident of Georgetown, Maine.
Be in Grade 8 during the year of participation.
Be registered to participate in the Bath YMCA Freedom Tour program.
OPTIONAL: Fill out the YMCA financial aid application to be considered for additional funds of up to $700 per student based on need
How to Apply
Register for the Bath YMCA Freedom Tour through the YMCA enrollment process.
Complete any required Freedom Tour forms and financial assistance applications through the YMCA.
The GIEF $100 Boost Grant is automatically available to all eligible Georgetown 8th grade participants and is coordinated in partnership with the YMCA.
Additional need-based assistance beyond the $100 GIEF grant is determined and administered by the Bath YMCA through its financial aid process.
For more information about the Freedom Tour program, visit: https://bathymca.org/freedomtour/
High School Learning Grants
Both of these High School Learning Grants support Georgetown students as they pursue meaningful, interest-driven educational experiences beyond the traditional classroom. These grants are designed to encourage both guided and self-directed learning, helping students deepen skills, explore career pathways, and engage in projects that reflect their passions and goals.
Through these opportunities, students may work with mentors, instructors, coaches, or professionals—or independently design and implement their own learning experiences. Projects may include academic enrichment, artistic development, technical and trade skill-building, research, entrepreneurship, leadership initiatives, community-based work, or other individualized learning pursuits.
GIEF offers two distinct High School Learning Grant pathways:
Mentored Learning Grant (Guided Learning) – awards up to $1,000
Student Initiative Grant (Self-Directed Learning) – awards up to $500
Together, these grants reflect GIEF’s commitment to fostering curiosity, independence, and real-world learning experiences that prepare students for life beyond high school.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the High School , applicants must:
Be a high school student in grades 9–12.
Be a resident of Georgetown, Maine.
Be applying for or enrolled in an educational program occurring in the current grant year (Mentored Learning Grant only).
Submit a complete application by the stated deadline.
How to Apply
Apply here: Mentored Learning Grant and Student Initiative Grant
Applications are reviewed on two annual cycles with deadlines on April 1 and December 1.
Applications will be reviewed after the deadline, and award decisions will be communicated within 30 day