ORONO – The New England Board of Higher Education has recognized a state program that provides financial assistance for low-income parents to attend college.

The Parents as Scholars Program, administered by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, will receive an NEBHE higher education merit award Feb. 25 in Boston.

Through the program, people eligible for federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families who are full-time students at a two-year or four-year college can receive money for books, transportation and child care.

Announcing the award on Friday at the University of Maine, NEBHE President Evan Dobelle said, “The Parents as Scholars Program makes college a reality for low-income parents seeking a pathway out of poverty and truly shows the value both sides of the Maine Legislature place on higher education.”

Representing DHHS, Stephen Telow said the program enables parents to be positive role models for their children and “lessens the chances” that the “generational cycle of welfare” will be repeated.