Latest news with #MaineCommunityCollegeSystem
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Zoe LaFleur-Klef named York County Community College Student of the Year
AUGUSTA — Zoe LaFleur-Klef of York was recently recognized as the 2025 York County Community College (YCCC) Student of the Year. Sen. Mark W. Lawrence, D-Eliot, and Rep. Gerry Runte, D-York, presented LaFleur-Klef with a legislative sentiment in honor of her achievement. She was one of seven students selected from the Maine Community College System to receive this prestigious award. 'York County is home to some of Maine's brightest leaders, and Zoe is a great example,' said Lawrence. 'Her work ethic and drive for success in and out of the classroom is remarkable and will allow her to thrive in the workforce. It was my honor to recognize Zoe for this prestigious award, and I look forward to seeing what she accomplishes next.' Runte echoed the sentiment. 'Zoe's hard work, dedication, and leadership at York Community College are truly inspiring. I'm honored to help celebrate her well-deserved recognition as Student of the Year and wish her success as she continues her education in nursing.' The Student of the Year Award is presented annually to one student from each of Maine's seven community colleges. Recipients are chosen for their academic success, service to others, and commitment to making a difference on campus. LaFleur-Klef, currently enrolled in YCCC's nursing program, began her journey with a short-term phlebotomy training program, which sparked her interest in health care. She later pursued health studies and nursing at YCCC, excelling in her coursework and serving as a tireless advocate for students. She is the president of both the Student Government Association and the Nursing Club. Set to graduate in May 2025, LaFleur-Klef already has a job lined up and plans to continue her nursing education at Southern New Hampshire University. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: York County Community College Student of the Year 2025 named
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bill would devote $6M per year to support Maine community college students
Mar. 17—For three years, Maine's community colleges have offered free tuition to graduating high schoolers. But for many, meeting their other needs — like housing, food and counseling — is still out of reach. That's why Senate President Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, is sponsoring a bill that would provide $6 million annually for wraparound services at the state's seven community colleges. Gov. Janet Mills introduced the free community college program in early 2022 with a $20 million price tag. She included $25 million to continue that program in her two-year proposed budget, and make it permanent. Since it went into place, enrollment at Maine's community colleges has reached an all-time high — growing 10% since last year, with more than 21,000 students in the fall. "However, we know that increased enrollment also brings increased need," Daughtry testified Monday during a public hearing on the bill before the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee. "More students require support to complete their education and earn a credential of value." Her bill would appropriate $6 million for the 2025-26 school year, and $6.3 million the following year. Daughtry said the funding would expand academic counseling and advising services, tutoring, food and clothing pantries, child care, financial aid for housing, emergency aid for those in financial crisis and support for those who want to transfer into the University of Maine System. Getting the bill to pass, however, will likely be challenging. A similar bill has come in front of Legislature several times, and after warnings from Mills of a tight budget year, the Maine Senate last week killed a supplemental budget after most Republicans voted against it and is now working to pass a bare-bones, "continuing services" budget to avoid a government shutdown. Lawmakers are also anxious about the status of federal funding as President Donald Trump appears to target the state. In response to a question about the high price tag, Daughtry told lawmakers she knows there are tough conversations happening around funding decisions, and just asked that lawmakers consider her bill amid that conversation. Leaders and educators from across the Maine Community College System turned out Monday morning to support the bill. Many testified that students entering community college today had their high school experience interrupted by the pandemic, and need more academic and emotional support than previous generations. "The community colleges must provide new and additional resources to help these students succeed," said David Daigler, president of the Maine Community College System. He said the money would allow the colleges to hire tutors, expand staffing at language labs and libraries, and expand counseling. Mike Lovejoy, department chair of the Electrician Technology Program at York County Community College in Wells, testified that the program's success hinges on ensuring access to tutoring, mental health support, food and housing. "Student barriers to completing credentials are not always academic," Lovejoy said. Elizabeth True, vice president of Eastern Maine Community College in Bangor, said many students enter community college without the skills to succeed. "At least 38% of our students at EMCC are identified as first-generation college students, without the support and expertise of parents who are familiar with the challenges and resources of college," True said. "All of our traditional-age students ... survived a few years of pandemic schooling, and survival was really their only goal. "They've now entered college without having to experience enough academic challenge and support in high school, through no fault of their own, and they're significantly behind in academic, cognitive and psycho-social development," she said. Copy the Story Link
