Bowdoin Central School is among 12 elementary schools recognized by Maine College Circle and the Perloff Foundation as showing “leadership in building early aspirations in education.”

The schools will receive “a small cash award” to continue their efforts.

The nonprofits said in a news release they have been supporting Maine elementary and middle schools since 1992.

“These schools, their parents and their communities stand out to us as leading the way in building aspirations,” said Bob Stuart, director of Maine College Circle. “Maine is a leader in this country in building early aspirations to guide learning. We have a lot to celebrate.

“I can’t tell you how many times I have had teachers and principals and guidance counselors and parents come up to me and explain how just doing research on college and career aspirations has changed their student’s performance in school today,” Stuart said.

Through its Fast Track Grants, The Perloff Foundation t has been building aspirations in science, technology, and the humanities over the past fourteen years in over 100 schools in Maine and Canada. Maine College Circle has talked with over 60,000 elementary and middle school students in 115 mostly rural Maine communities about colleges and career aspirations. Workshops and scholarships have been offered in partnership with the Dead River Company, cPort Credit Union, Ocean Renewable Power Company, Taconnet Federal Credit Union, Machias Savings Bank, Bar Harbor Savings and Loan, The First, The Maine Community Foundation, and others.