BATH — Dennis Unger, director of University College at Bath/Brunswick, recently announced the availability of a limited number of Osher Scholarships for the spring 2012 semester, which begins Jan. 9.

The University of Maine System offers Osher Scholarships to encourage more Maine people of all ages to participate in higher education. Preference is given to first-time students, and scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Made possible by a gift from the Bernard Osher Foundation, an Osher Scholarship will cover the cost of a university course, including tuition, fees and books. To qualify, a student must be a Maine resident, a high school graduate or GED recipient, and someone who is committed to completing a 100, 200 or developmental level university course.

“ The Osher scholarship allows those who are considering college to give it a try without committing themselves financially,” Unger said in a release. “Coupled with the support of our experienced advisers and tutors, the scholarship has helped many of our students realize that they could succeed and thrive in college.”

For information, visit: learn. maine.edu/ bath/ getstarted/ osher-scholarships/ or call 442-7736.