Why Give

It's no coincidence that Maine has the lowest college attainment rate in New England and the lowest per-capita income.

Maine's community colleges are dedicated to providing academic programs that meet the educational, occupational and technical needs of Maine people and the workforce needs of the State's employers. Contributions are supporting efforts by the colleges to expand enrollment from 18,500 to 25,000 students by 2018.

During tough economic times, that mission is as critially important as:

• Mainers seek new job skills and
• the state's economy grows increasingly dependent on skilled workers to attract new jobs and new investments to our state.

But during these tough economic times, the state's seven community colleges lack the resources they need to keep up with demand:

• Between 2002 and 2012, enrollment grew 83 percent, from 10,127 to 18,561.
• Over the last four years our enrollment has grown by 25% while our state appropriation has increased by a little over 2%
• In each of the last two years, the colleges have had to turn away over 4,000 students from the courses and programs they need to complete a degree.
• The majority of programs most in demand by students and employers are at or over capacity.

That's why a contribution now to Maine's community colleges in an investment in our students and our state.

Learn more about ways to give to Maine's community colleges.

“Leon and I are enthusiastic supporters of Maine’s community colleges. We believe that they are a critical component of Maine’s economic development strategy and provide enormous opportunities for individual Maine people.”