Newsletter | Maine Educational Opportunity Center

In This Issue:

Tips on minimizing and managing college debt

MEOC Referral Program – Win prizes!

MEOC featured in the Bangor Daily News

In their own words – MEOC participants talk about their path to and through college.

Featured location – Machias CareerCenter

Tips on Minimizing and Managing College Debt

It’s no secret that the rising cost of college has a lot of potential college students a little worried. While most accept the fact that a college degree would help them get a better job, the worry that college debt would overwhelm any salary increases is a legitimate fear. Fortunately, among the services provided by MEOC is a comprehensive plan to help get each student on their way to a college degree, without crippling college debt. In the first part of this newsletter, we will focus on a few strategies that can help, but if you really want individualized plans, make an appointment to see the MEOC advisor in your area!

Adult Ed classes

One cost that many nontraditional students aren’t prepared for is the cost of taking classes to re-learn skills they once knew. College classes often have pre-requisite knowledge, for example, a solid knowledge of Algebra, that many nontraditional students may no longer possess. Paying by the credit hour to regain these skills can be a very expensive proposition. By utilizing the services of your local Adult Education Agency, you can build these skills in a much more cost-effective manner. Not sure what your knowledge gaps might be? Don’t worry about it! Your MEOC advisor can help you figure out what the prerequisites are to your program of interest, and help you figure out a way to identify ALL of the steps you need to meet on the way.

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Going back to college as an adult can be intimidating! And yet, in Maine, so-called “non-traditional” students, are becoming more and more common every year. Each year, hundreds of Maine adults find success in college. Each is a little different, but one thing many have in common is that they have worked with MEOC to find success.

The following is a variety of MEOC participants, from new enrollees to college to recent graduates, telling in their own words a little bit about what college was like for them.

Background – MEOC participants come from all over the state of Maine, from ages 18 to 65, and sometimes even older! Some are single parents, some are finding their way back to the workforce after some time away.

In 2001, I found myself to be a single parent of two; ages 6 and 8. I began to recognize certain patterns and behaviors that were playing out in my life.
Gail, age 44

I am a 65 year-old and hard-of-hearing woman who pretty much raised 2 children alone; I’m also a grandmother of 6, and a great-grandmother to one.
Linda, age 65

I was incarcerated for a period of time before being transferred to a facility in Charleston, ME. At that time I had been eager to get an education upon my release. Due to my circumstances at that point I had not been able to take the steps to begin the process.
Carmine, age 23

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