York County Community College (YCCC) in Wells, Maine serves Southern Maine and New Hampshire with affordable associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training. Established in 1994 by the 116th Maine Legislature, York County Community College (originally known as York County Technical College) was a grassroots initiative from local business and industry individuals. A group of York County bus
iness leaders met informally to discuss a need that had become apparent and it was clear that York County, among Maine's fastest-growing counties, needed a technical college. In July 2003, YCTC became York County Community College as the state's technical colleges expanded their mission to become true community colleges where people in Maine would have increased access to college that would ultimately improve incomes, enhance skills, and strengthen Maine's economy. Specifically, the college’s mission is to provide academic, career, and transfer programs while serving to advance cultural, economic, and workforce development in York County and the state of Maine. To this end, the college maintains a vibrant 84-acre, wooded campus in Wells, has strong relationships with high schools throughout York County to facilitate the progression of high school students into post-secondary education, and offers degree courses at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery. The Community Education and Career Training operation offers a range of training and technical assistance, working with large employers like the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, General Dynamics, Pratt & Whitney, and countless small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout York County. Truly, the college is a vital and contributing part of the economic and social fabric of the York County community. The college offers associate degree programs in arts, science, and applied science, and certificate programs in workforce training and professional development, more than 30 programs in all. A sampling of coursework available includes, but is not limited to, accounting, business administration, drafting and design, college composition, ethics, mathematics, biology, psychology, criminal justice, culinary arts, early childhood education, and a host of trade and technical occupations. York County Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and employer.