Dustin A. Denbow, the son of Norman and Kim Denbow of Caribou, has been named one of eight Maine high school graduates to be accepted into the new Pioneers Program at the University of Southern Maine, the state’s first collegiate honors program for students in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) disciplines.
Contributed photo
Dustin A. Denbow, the son of Norman and Kim Denbow of Caribou, is one of eight Maine high school students accepted into a new University of Southern Maine honors program for students majoring in science, technology, engineering or math. Shown during a recent USM reception are, from left, Dean Andrew Anderson of USM’s College of Science, Technology, and Health; Denbow; and USM President Selma Botman.
Students accepted into Pioneers receive a full tuition scholarship for four years, paid internships and a computer. They also will have opportunities to work directly with USM faculty on research projects designed to expand their knowledge in STEM fields and prepare them for careers after graduation.
A 2011 graduate of Caribou High School, Denow plans to major in biology at USM, hoping to attend medical school. In the spring of 2010, he completed training to become a certified nursing assistant and has worked at the Caribou Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Denbow was a member of the Caribou High chess team, Civil Rights team, orchestra, and golf team. He also is talented musician and composer, playing both violin and piano.
“I can’t tell you how delighted I am to welcome these eight, gifted young people as the inaugural Pioneer scholars,” said USM President Selma Botman, at a reception for the students and guests held on June 24, at the USM’s Gorham campus. “You are embarking on a course of exploration that will prepare you to employ technologies not yet imagined, discoveries not yet anticipated, and jobs that do not yet exist. Each of you is a true pioneer, and USM is so pleased to be able to launch you on the path of discovery—both personal and professional — that will make up your life,” stated Botman.
The Pioneer Scholars were on campus as part of a week-long orientation that included visits to local employers, lab exercises, a canoe trip and team-building exercises on a ropes course.
“Competition for students of this caliber is keen among institutions across the country,” said Botman. “This program is an important step toward helping to keep our best and brightest students here in Maine, where they can help drive the economy of the 21st century.”
A total of 48 Maine students applied for admission to the 2011 inaugural Pioneers class, 21 of whom were interviewed by a panel of faculty members and administrators. Those 21 students had an average high school grade point average of 3.72 and average SAT comprehensive reading and math scores of 1320.
USM’s Pioneers Program is made possible through a start-up grant from the University of Maine System’s Strategic Investment Fund, which was created to support new curricular developments that align academic programs with Maine’s changing economy. In addition, USM is raising private sector, foundation, and federal funding to sustain the program.
