Lesley Announces Maine Scholars Program
The Maine Scholars program gives students prioritization by Maine employers as well as opportunities for financial aid and scholarship benefits.
NewsOct 25, 2024

Lesley University receives $5 million Lunder gift to support Maine student scholarships

Lesley University proudly announces a transformative $5 million grant, which will enhance recruitment in vital fields like teaching and mental health, creating essential pathways for aspiring professionals to impact their communities positively

Peter and Paula Lunder pose in front of the Lunder Arts Center

Cambridge, MA - Lesley University is delighted to announce a transformational $5 million grant from The Lunder Foundation that will significantly enhance scholarship offerings to students from Maine or who wish to work in Maine. 

With this remarkable gift, Lesley can open the doors for talented individuals to pursue the critically needed professions of teaching and mental health counselling in Maine and help schools and mental health organizations in Maine recruit and retain this much needed talent. Lesley is committed to creating seamless pathways for students by connecting them with Maine employers and providing professional support during their educational journey and beyond.

The Lunder Foundation, and its founders, Peter and Paula (’59) Lunder, have had, and continue to have, a profound effect on Lesley University, having also generously supported its state-of-the-art building for the College of Art and Design, the Lunder Arts Center. The grant is made in honor of the families of Marjorie Lunder, Marc and Jamie Lunder, Steven and Elissa Lunder, and Alan Lunder and Susan Fuller.

“This wonderful investment from Peter and Paula Lunder will benefit the professions of education and mental health in Maine  now and for generations to come,” said Janet Steinmayer, Lesley’s President. “These scholarships are more than financial aid; they are a lifeline for talented individuals who aspire to make meaningful contributions to their communities.”

“These scholarships are more than financial aid; they are
a lifeline for talented individuals who aspire to make meaningful
contributions to their communities.”
Janet Steinmayer, President, Lesley University

For information about scholarship opportunities, or becoming a Lesley partner in Maine, please visit our Maine Scholars webpage.

Lesley University graduates more mental health professionals than any other college or university in New England. Located just outside of Boston near Harvard and Porter Squares in the vibrant city of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Lesley is renowned for its unique portfolio of programs focused on Education, Mental Health and Art and Design. The university also offers Liberal Arts and Business Programs that support these key disciplines and a special program, the Threshold Program, for neurodiverse students seeking a college experience to learn independent living and working skills. About two-thirds of Lesley’s more than 4,500 students are graduate students; one-third are undergraduate and Threshold students.