Maine Community College System

06/03/2026

A post-secondary credential - from a short-term workforce training program to a four-year degree - is the ticket to earning higher lifelong wages, building a meaningful career you can grow in, and a more robust Maine economy. We're proud to be a big part of Maine's many affordable, relevant learning opportunities that are available to anyone willing to step up and put in the work as they pursue their dreams. From the Portland Press Herald article:
"Maine has taken many steps recently to make college credentials accessible to more students and grow the state’s shrinking workforce, including making community college permanently tuition-free this year through Gov. Janet Mills’ supplemental budget.

The community college system has also grown its short-term training programs funded by the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce. The University of Maine System has expanded its online credential offerings, offers resources for adults learners and many institutions provide free tuition for in-state students who are eligible for federal Pell Grants."
MaineSpark Maine Department of Labor Maine State Department of Economic and Community Development Maine Department of Education University of Maine System Educate Maine Maine Development Foundation Maine State Chamber of Commerce

A coalition of colleges, education advocacy groups and business leaders is hoping to raise the rate of working Mainers with college credentials from 55% to 70% in less than a decade.

06/03/2026

Congratulations!

🚑 Congratulations to YCCC’s newest EMT graduates! 🎓

From day one to certification-ready, this cohort has worked hard to build the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to serve others when it matters most.

This group holds a special place in our history as the first EMT cohort to learn and train in the new York County Regional Training Center - Maine, gaining hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art environment designed to prepare Maine’s future workforce.

Through classroom instruction, skills labs, and real-world ambulance service experience, these graduates are now ready to take the next step toward careers in emergency medical services and other critical public safety and healthcare fields. The work ahead of them will make a real difference in our communities, and we couldn’t be prouder of all they’ve accomplished.

This program is generously funded by the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine's Workforce

06/03/2026

Thinking about coming back to school? Starting college comes with questions and we’re here to help you figure it all out.

From financial aid and advising to orientation and student support services, Maine’s community colleges support you every step of the way.

And with 79% of students receiving financial aid PLUS tuition-free opportunities for recent high school graduates, there are real resources to help make college more accessible than you might think.

Connect with an advisor to get started today.

https://www.mccs.me.edu/our-colleges/student-life-resources/support-services/

06/02/2026

We're proud to be part of the MaineSpark effort! We see the transformative power of education every day.

Maine's community colleges are your ticket to an affordable, accessible education that teaches you the skills you need for the job you want!
Degrees, certificates, short-term training - everything from trades to transfer - it's all right here!

Incredible progress after 10 years of supporting Mainers' achievement. Now MaineSpark, a coalition of education, business and nonprofit leaders, has new goals for our state. Read about it here: https://loom.ly/5FhB07M

05/27/2026

“As a non-traditional student, a full-time worker, a mom, there were moments when the weight of everything felt very overwhelming. But through it all I've learned that strength isn't about doing well perfectly, it's about continuing to show up even when it's hard.”

Meet Jasmine Sanders.

A nursing student at Kennebec Valley Community College, Jasmine is balancing it all while still making space to lead and advocate for others. She’s the KVCC Student of the Year and was recently appointed as a student trustee for the Maine Community College System Board of Trustees, bringing the perspective of working parents and non-traditional students to the table.

Her story is a reminder that showing up again and again is what makes the difference.

Thinking about going back to school? Start your journey today.

https://www.mccs.me.edu/

05/26/2026

Maine's community colleges are part of an effort to embrace and grow thoughtful, meaningful civil dialogue and help students navigate often complicated waters around difficult subjects.

Providing regular opportunities for students to engage in civil dialogue, David Daigler, president of the Maine Community College System, told the Chronicle of Higher Education “are essential skills for the workplace and they’re essential skills for democracy.”

“It’s not about conquering or winning the day,” he says. “It’s about understanding and being understood.”

How to Open Minds

05/20/2026

You don’t have to have your whole life mapped out to start at a Maine community college. A lot of people start here, save money, and then transfer when they’re ready. It’s flexible, it makes sense, and it keeps your options open.

Maine’s community colleges offer seamless transitions to the University of Maine system or several of Maine’s independent four-year colleges. No applications, no essays, no problem.

Start here and build a future. Not debt. https://www.mccs.me.edu/admissions-tuition-aid/admissions/how-to-transfer/

05/13/2026

This is what learning by doing looks like.

From welding and electrical to construction and advanced manufacturing, students at Maine’s community colleges are building real skills while they work alongside experienced instructors to solve the kinds of problems they’ll see on the job.

It’s hands-on experience that leads directly to in-demand careers across Maine’s workforce. Learn more about the trades at Maine’s community colleges and apply now. https://www.mccs.me.edu/our-programs/

05/13/2026

Maine’s community colleges are committed to providing a high-quality, affordable, and accessible education so Mainers can learn the skills they need for good jobs right here in Maine.
That’s central to the goals set out here. Whether it’s short-term training through our Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine's Workforce or degree and certificate programs at our seven colleges, we’ve got you covered.

A new report lays out priorities to boost business competitiveness, lower housing costs and increase wages 20% within the next decade.

05/12/2026

One-stop shopping to help plan your future - and how to pay for it. What a great resource!
Thanks, FAME Maine!