The Challenger Learning Center of Maine is honored to offer the Totman Strong Scholarship, made possible through the generous support of the Totman Strong Family Foundation, in memory of Astronaut Academy camper Bryan Totman.

Totman Strong Scholarship

The Challenger Learning Center of Maine is honored to offer the Totman Strong Scholarship, made possible through the generous support of the Totman Strong Family Foundation, in memory of Astronaut Academy camper Bryan Totman.

The Challenger Learning Center of Maine is honored to offer the Totman Strong Scholarship, made possible through the generous support of the Totman Strong Family Foundation, in memory of Astronaut Academy camper Bryan Totman.

This funding allows 20 teacher-nominated students to attend our Astronaut Academy Summer Day Camp entirely free of charge.

Bryan attended Astronaut Academy during the summer of 2021, where his bright, inquisitive spirit lit up every day of camp. He was endlessly curious, eager to learn, and loved bringing camp lessons home to continue the fun with his family. Bryan arrived each morning in his red Challenger T-shirt, armed with thoughtful questions and plenty of jokes. A lover of books, football, animals, and playful pranks, Bryan is remembered by all who knew him as a child with a generous heart and an endlessly curious mind.

This scholarship is available to students who will be entering grades 5–8 in fall 2026, with preference given to students who may not otherwise have access to a similar experience. At the request of the Totman Strong Family Foundation, eligible students must be nominated by a teacher, particularly those who, like Bryan, demonstrate a deep sense of curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. Through this opportunity, Bryan’s energy and love of discovery continue to inspire the next generation of explorers.

Nomination & Participation Requirements

Before submitting a nomination, or at the time of submission, please confirm with the student’s family that they:

  • Are interested in and able to attend all four days of camp during either
    June 23–26, 2026 or July 6–9, 2026

  • Can provide or coordinate daily transportation to and from the Challenger Learning Center of Maine
    (30 Venture Way, Bangor) between 8:30–9:00 a.m. and 3:00–4:00 p.m.

  • Are willing to select and purchase a favorite book to be donated to the growing Bryan Totman collection at Ames Elementary School in Searsmont, ME, including a written note inside the book sharing what the camp experience meant to them

  • Have not previously received the Totman Strong Scholarship
    (If unsure, please submit the nomination and we will verify eligibility. Students may receive this scholarship only once.)

Questions & Contact

Please direct any questions regarding this scholarship or the nomination process to:

contact@astronaut.org

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Camp Scholarship Disclaimer

Eligibility for this scholarship is based on the grade the camper will be entering in 2026. This scholarship opportunity is intended for students who will be entering grades 5 through 8 and who demonstrate curiosity and enthusiasm for learning in alignment with the mission of the Totman Strong Scholarship program.

By applying for or accepting a scholarship, families and recipients acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions:

  • Teacher Nomination Required: Eligible campers must be nominated by a teacher or school staff member.

  • Attendance Commitment: Scholarship recipients must be interested in and able to attend all scheduled days of camp during the designated session dates.

  • Transportation: The camp does not provide or coordinate transportation. Recipients are responsible for arranging daily transportation to and from the Challenger Learning Center within the required drop-off and pick-up windows.

  • Book Donation Requirement: Recipients are expected to select and purchase a favorite book to donate, with a written note reflecting on their camp experience, to the designated library in memory of Bryan Totman.

  • One Scholarship Per Student: In an effort to reach as many students as possible, each camper may receive only one scholarship per summer and may not receive the same scholarship more than once.

  • Exclusive Summer Participation: Campers awarded this scholarship may not participate in another Challenger summer camp program during the same summer under any scholarship.

These terms are established to ensure fairness, meaningful participation, and broad access to the scholarship opportunity. Failure to comply with these conditions may affect eligibility for future scholarship opportunities.