December 11, 2008 Alfond scholarship available to all Maine newborns Play video

(Marnie MacLean, NECN: Augusta, Maine) - They are ready for their close-ups. More than one hundred Maine babies who have a lot to be happy about. They haven't even celebrated their first birthdays and each one already has at least five hundred dollars in a college savings account.

The money comes from the nation's first ever philanthropic state grant. The program is a gift from the late Harold Alfond... The founder of Dexter shoe...and one of Maine's great champions.

Gov Baldacci "Harold was always looking for the diamond in the rough..always felt like giving kids an opportunity at a good foundation."

Chloe Paquette is one of 1200 babies who received the 500 dollar grant in 2008....right now, saving for her future is easier than getting her to smile.

Dane Paquette "Even with the economy, times are tough my family has added to the fund, hopefully build it up for when she goes to school."

At the rate they're saving, Chloe could have well over $50,000 by the time she graduates.

"This past year it was a pilot program, babies born in Augusta and Waterville got the grant... This year the program goes statewide"

The Alfond foundation estimates about fourteen thousand babies will be born in Maine in 2009--all of them eligible for the grant...and the income statements and financial information that come with that grant.

Greg Powell--Chair, Harold Alfond foundation "So the 500 dollar investment becomes a platform for education

Right now, they're just starting out...but maybe There's a future engineer in this crowd....or an air traffic controller--that's a stressful job--or maybe even a Governor? Thanks to Harold Alfond, each one has a big Head start on their dreams for the future.