Students who are named Mitchell Scholars receive far more than financial aid. Through seminars, dinners and leadership conferences, Mitchell Scholars can get advice, a foot in the door and learn skills for the work world.

The Mitchell Institute has had a positive impact on the academic and professional lives of Maine students since it was established in 1995. Former scholars cannot say enough about the opportunities they have come across being involved with the institute. And current scholars are enthusiastic to be part of the program.

Here is a look at some local Mitchell Scholars, who spoke about the role the Mitchell Institute has played in their lives.

Kathryn Leach Bathras

Kate Leach Bathras graduated from South Portland High School in 2000. She was selected to be the Mitchell Scholar for her graduating class. As a candidate for the scholarship, Bathras had it all. She was a Top 10 student, and was involved in community service. She was also a member of the Drama Club, and then tennis and swim teams.

Now a Bowdoin graduate working at her alma mater, Bathras said the Mitchell Institute not only provided her with financial support, but also career-building opportunities as well. Bathras worked for the Mitchell Institute doing event planning immediately after college.

“There’s been lots of little ways they’ve really helped me out, and it’s a really good connection,” said Bathras.

For now, Bathras said she is content to live and work in Maine. She works as a program adviser for student organizations at Bowdoin College, and lives with her husband, Tim, in Topsham. She had the opportunity to travel to Maui and Barcelona during college. And while she feels those trips were invaluable, her roots are in Maine.

“Those experiences just led me back here,” said Bathras.

Bathras remained actively involved with the Mitchell Institute throughout her college career and after. She said networking events, resume building and leadership conferences were highlights she appreciated being a part of.

“It’s been an incredibly valuable experience,” said Bathras.

Jason Long

Since graduating from Bowdoin with a degree in government and legal studies and a minor in education, Jason Long has taught English to high school students in Jinhua, China, and now teaches history and an elective course on China at Oxford Hills High School.

Long was the 2001 Mitchell Scholar for South Portland High School. As the first person in his family to attend college, Long said, he received generous support from the Mitchell Institute. When Long got the opportunity to do an internship through the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center in Augusta, the Mitchell Institute offered to pay for his gas, which made it possible for him to accept the position.

For Long, networking has been the most valuable resource the Mitchell Institute provides. He said he got to know J. Duke Albanese, the former Maine commissioner of education, during his time as a Mitchell scholar. Albanese is executive direcotr of the Mitchell Institute’s Great Schools Partnership.

“The professional network makes it possible for students to succeed,” said Long.

Long is still involved with the Mitchell Institute, where he volunteers. He said that although he is no longer a student, he still feels a connection to the program.

“It’s not just a scholarship, and then you never see them again,” said Long.

Libby King

Libby King received the 2007 Mitchell Scholarship for South Portland High School. She will attend Bates College, where she plans to focus on math and science.

King feels she was chosen because she was a well-rounded member of her high school community. She worked hard to get good grades, volunteered in her community at the Big Brother Big Sisters Program of Southern Maine, as well as St. John’s Food Cupboard in South Portland. She was also a varsity basketball and softball player, and was captain of the girls basketball team her senior year.

“I didn’t focus on just one thing. I did work out in the community,” said King.

King, who learned about the Mitchell Institute through her high school guidance office, said she is elated to have earned a Mitchell Scholarship. But after going to a dinner for recipients at the Black Bear Inn Sunday night, she was even more excited.

“I was really honored, because I heard how big a deal it was. It was a really good feeling. (The dinner) made me realize that they’re not just giving me money. They’re really going to help me with networking and resume building,” said King.

King said she is happy to be going to college in her home state. She originally thought about going to a college in the Boston area, but fell in love with Bates after touring the campus.

“I like Maine a lot. I’m excited to be staying here,” said Libby.

Michele Savage

Michele Savage was the 1999 Mitchell Scholar from Scarborough High School. She graduated from the University of Maine in 2003, after which she did sales at a York-based community newspaper. Now, she is assistant vice president of corporate sponsorships at TD Banknorth.

Savage said she first made a connection with TD Banknorth at a dinner hosted by the Mitchell Institute she attended while still in college. She sat at a table with TD Banknorth executives, who followed up with an informational interview. They kept Savage’s resume on file, and called her two years ago when a position opened.

Savage now chairs the Mitchell Institute Alumni Council, which was formed in 2005. She helps organize events, like seminars, for Mitchell Scholars.

“You just want to find ways to give back,” said Savage.

After being so involved with the Mitchell Institute, Savage said, it has been much more than just a scholarship to her.

“I’ve come to know the Mitchell Institute as kind of like a family,” said Savage.

One goal of the Mitchell Institute that Savage vehemently supports is to keep Maine students in the state after they graduate, because it is important for Maine’s economy. Savage, herself, plans to stay.

“I’m staying put. I’m a big fan of encouraging students to stay in Maine,” said Savage.

Jason LongKathryn Leach BathrasMichelle SavageMitchell Scholars, past and present: ‘Like family’