Joshua Mutshaila ’24

Joshua, a graduate of Casco Bay High School in Portland,entered USM in fall 2020 planning to study Political Science and pursue a career as a lawyer. He learned about the Promise Scholarship from the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine, which helped him to develop a strong academic work ethic while teaching him valuable life lessons. “I struggled in math and science for a long time, and it shattered my confidence,” he says. ​

However, encouragement from the Boys & Girls Club and his high school teachers motivated him to put in the necessary practice to overcome problems he did not easily understand. “A transformed mindset and a persistent work ethic will allow me to conquer and prevail in college and beyond.” Earning the Promise Scholarship is a testament that persistent effort can pay off. ​

“This scholarship will be a huge help to me and my family both financially and academically. It’s a blessing.”