Educators for Maine supports future teachers, speech pathologists, and certain child-care professionals through a competitive loan that may be forgiven through service. It is important to call it a loan: forgiveness does not happen automatically at graduation and depends on working in an eligible Maine position. Borrowers who do not complete qualifying service must repay the balance under the note.
FAME targets Maine residents pursuing initial preparation as a teacher, speech-language pathologist, or eligible child-development professional. The program requires an application and FAFSA; the 2026–27 cycle closed May 1, 2026. Check residency, program, enrollment, and promissory-note terms before borrowing because FAME distinguishes high-school applicants from current college students.
FAME lists up to $5,000 per year for undergraduates and $4,000 for graduate students, subject to program changes and award decisions. Each year in eligible work may forgive one year of loan; teachers in an underserved subject or geographic area may qualify for up to two years of loan forgiveness per service year. Service has a time limit, and un-forgiven balances remain repayable with interest.
The next cycle usually opens February 1; the current application table lists a May 1 close, but confirm next year’s date. Complete FAFSA, the application, and documentation before borrowing; keep the note. After graduation, contact FAME to certify employer, school, subject, and work status, and formally request forgiveness for each eligible service year.
Do not budget this as a grant: changing profession, state, or role without meeting service rules can leave you owing the loan. Read the program profile and the administering office; ask your campus financial-aid office to review your individual file.
Educators for Maine Program — Finance Authority of Maine.
Applications and Deadlines — FAME Maine.
Maine statute §12502 — Maine Legislature.
Information checked on October 13, 2026 against official sources. Cycles, funding, and deadlines can change each year. Where the 2026–27 deadline has passed, this is stated clearly; check the next application cycle and do not assume an award is automatic.
Do not budget this as a grant: changing profession, state, or role without meeting service rules can leave you owing the loan.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Educators for Maine Program
Up to $5,000 yearly for undergraduates or $4,000 for graduate study; forgiveness depends on documented eligible employment under the note.
Public student financial-aid program
Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) — Educators for Maine
The authority reviews residency, training, the loan note, and annual proof of eligible teaching or professional service.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Finance Authority of Maine · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
FAME Maine · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Maine Legislature · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Finance Authority of Maine · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Educators for Maine Program ↗
Primary source
FAME Maine · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
FAME Maine · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) — Educators for Maine ↗
Primary source
Maine Legislature · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.