(PORTLAND, Maine) – The MEMIC Group is currently accepting applications for the Harvey Picker Horizon Scholarship Program, an annual initiative providing college tuition assistance to children and spouses of workers who have suffered severe on-the-job injuries. Since 2001, MEMIC has awarded a total of $260,000 in Horizon Scholarships to support more than 50 students.

Last year’s two deserving scholarship recipients were a student from The Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., who tragically lost their father to a work-related injury when they were just 18 months old, and a freshman from Southern Maine Community College in South Portland, Maine, whose father became permanently disabled due to a paper mill accident in 2018. These students received scholarship of $10,000 and $7,500, respectively.

"We are incredibly proud to acknowledge the remarkable resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication of the 2023 scholarship recipients to their families, communities, and their educational and career pursuits," said Michael Bourque, President & CEO of The MEMIC Group. "Through the Horizon Scholarships, we remain committed to supporting their educational and career goals and recognizing their unwavering commitment to their families and communities."

The scholarship program is named in honor of Harvey Picker, a well-respected physicist, educator, philanthropist, and advocate for education. Picker played a crucial role in the establishment of MEMIC as a member of the Blue-Ribbon Commission on Workers’ Compensation, appointed by former Governor John R. McKernan. Picker also served as a member of the MEMIC Board of Directors.

“As one of the region's fastest-growing workers' compensation insurers, MEMIC recognizes that while insurance can cover medical costs and a portion of lost wages, it cannot entirely eliminate the emotional and financial burdens that accompany injury,” Bourque said. “We hope that the Horizon Scholarships for higher education will help fulfill the aspirations of those whose lives have been disrupted by workplace injuries or deaths.” 

To be considered for a scholarship of up to $10,000, interested applicants must complete the application by May 3, 2024. Eligibility requires that the injured worker must have been employed by a MEMIC policyholder at the time of the injury. The scholarship applications will be reviewed by a selection committee, taking into account factors such as financial need, academic performance, community involvement, life experiences, and potential for the future. Students must be currently attending or planning to attend an accredited college or university.

For additional information or to request a copy of the application, please call 1-800-660-1306 and mention “Horizon Scholarship” when prompted, or visit memic.com/horizon.

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About MEMIC 
The MEMIC Group includes MEMIC Indemnity Company, MEMIC Casualty Company, and parent company Maine Employers’ Mutual Insurance Company; all rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best. The MEMIC Group holds licenses to write workers’ compensation across the entire country. The group insures and serves more than 20,000 employers and their estimated 300,000 employees with dedicated safety and injury management service teams from Maine to Florida.