We're big believers in the idea that learning never ends. That's why Maine's community colleges offered graduates of Maine's high school class of 2020 a gift of free, online summer courses. The MCCS Gift to the Class of 2020 was a way to acknowledge that the graduating class had an unexpected end to their high school careers and were likely facing an uncertain summer as well. The Class Gift was an opportunity for them to keep exploring their interests, earn college credit, and keep them moving toward their college and career goals. More than 530 high school students took us up on the offer, taking 680 classes this summer in English, math, sciences, languages, psychology, history, digital photography, creative writing, and more. Bravo!

This fall, the impact of COVID has put the state's Prek-12 system under pressure, and Maine's community colleges are stepping in to help.

In partnership with the Maine Department of Education, EMCC launched a new, free, education training program to allow trainees to work as supervised support staff in Prek-12 classrooms this year.

These "learning facilitators" will help teachers where they need it most  ---   as an extra set of hands in classrooms where there are fewer students, but additional responsibilities for keeping students safe and in line with COVID safety measures. The new program also launches trainees on a path to pursue further education training.

"We are thrilled with the innovation and responsive programming being offered by our colleagues at EMCC," said Commissioner of Education Pender Makin. "The Learning Facilitator program will not only help our schools in providing for safe in-person instruction, but will help provide high quality workforce training with upward potential for Maine workers."

College officials found ways to keep the "pomp and circumstance" while incorporating new ways to celebrate their graduates.

"Coronavirus has brought the entire world to its knees, but it did not keep you from this virtual stage," MCCS President David Daigler told the graduates of NMCC. "You've learned the important power of persistence.

College officials mailed out caps and gowns to graduates, gathered pictures and messages from supporters, held Zoom webinars and recorded messages to celebrate the graduates who wrapped up their academic careers in highly unusual circumstances. You can see some of the ceremonies here: EMCC, KVCC, NMCC, SMCC, WCCC, YCCC.

All our graduates have achieved something great. Among the graduates are some shining stars, who are chosen as Students of the Year. Like many of this year's graduates, most of plan to enter the workforce or continue their education. Meet a few of them.

	Marcel Chalou moved back to Maine to raise his children and enrolled at NMCC to change careers. He completed his degree in water treatment technology at NMCC and landed a full-time position as a water treatment operator and lab technician at Presque Isle Utilities District.
	Kate McPherson enrolled in CMCC's general studies program to explore her career options before changing majors to computer technology. Her goal is to combine her interest in psychology and skills in computer technology to help bring mental healthcare to those who can't leave their homes. When she graduates from CMCC she plans to continue her education in technology.
	Clinton Dakin graduated from WCCC's powersports equipment/small engine technician and heavy equipment maintenance certificate programs and earned his associate degree in mechanical technology. This spring he earned an engine specialist certificate and is currently studying welding.

A big part of our mission as Maine's job training partner is offering the right training in the right place ---  so students can graduate and step right into good-paying jobs in their home communities. That's even more important in the healthcare fields.

That makes it all the sweeter to offer a rousing "Congratulations!" to the first graduates of EMCC's regional nursing program in Dover-Foxcroft. Students were able to remain in their community by taking EMCC nursing courses at Penquis Higher Education Center (PHEC) in Dover-Foxcroft and their clinicals at Mayo Regional Hospital. The need  ---    and the training  ---    continues, so for information on the Dover-Foxcroft and Ellsworth Regional Nursing programs contact Pilar Burmeister.

A belated welcome to Michael Fischer, an associate vice president at Great Bay Community College in New Hampshire, who was named the president of YCCC by the MCCS Board of Trustees earlier this year. His first days on the job were amid COVID-related shutdowns, and it's barely let up since.

President Fischer said he credits his own academic path as the inspiration behind his passion for working with students in higher education. He was the first in his extended family to go to college and the second to graduate from high school. He recently completed his Doctorate of Education in Transformative Leadership from the University of New England, even as he was putting those skills to work at YCCC.

"The educational profession is one of the greatest and noblest callings because we have the ability to changes lives and shape communities. I look forward to working with the dedicated faculty and staff at YCCC in helping our students learn the skills needed to be successful in work and life," said Fischer.

Back in June NMCC reported that Rodney Folsom of Greenville flew his family's Skyhawk II plane into Presque Isle, rode his bicycle to campus to take his Maine Real Estate exam, and departed for home the same day. Although many of the state's testing centers had been unavailable due to COVID-19, NMCC was able to offer a limited service.

For the second year, a generous grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation will provide funding for free training for jobs in industrial electrical repair, facility maintenance, phlebotomy, heavy equipment operations and software development.

Learn more about what training programs are planned for 2020-21.

These programs also set up graduates for more education - graduates are eligible for scholarships to take up to two free courses at any Maine community college.
Meet two of our HAF training graduates! Kaitlyn, who pursued medical assisting, and Chantell, who pursued welding.

Mackenzie Ferreira is enrolled in KVCC's early childhood development program and says, "I feel like I am actually going somewhere in real life. It feels amazing. Learn more»