Education/Training

Maine Apprenticeship Program: Apprenticeships provide structured yet flexible training through on-the-job learning and related classroom instruction that are sponsored by employers, employer associations, or labor/management groups that can hire and train in a working situation.

Aspirations Program provides eligible Maine high school students with an opportunity to receive academic credits toward a high school diploma, and an associate or baccalaureate-level degree, through enrollment and successful completion of college-level courses at approved Maine institutions.  

Behavioral Health Professional (BHP) Training Program is available for individuals looking to become a Behavioral Health Professional in Maine.

 Career and Technical Education (CTE) provides Maine students with the opportunity for relevant and challenging applied learning to enhance their occupational, personal, and academic success while preparing them to meet the needs of the Maine workforce. CTE offers in-depth training as well as middle and high school exploration into career pathways for ALL students.

Child Development Services ensures the provision of special education rules and federal and state regulations statewide, through a network of regional sites. The CDS system is an Intermediate Educational Unit (IEU) that provides both Early Intervention (birth through two years) and free Appropriate Public Education (for ages three through five years). 

Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP) The Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP) provides funding and support services for eligible Maine residents ages 18 and over who do not have a post-secondary degree to pursue two and four-year degree programs or employer recognized credentials leading to high-wage, in-demand jobs in Maine.

Connect Kids Now provides secured internet access and devices to facilitate at-home learning for all Maine school children for whom there is a reported need.  The program provides devices, assistance with service and connectivity, and information on internet safety.  

Early Head Start is the companion program to Head Start, created to address the same needs of children birth to age three, expectant mothers, and their families.

Education Services for Children Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired this program provides adaptive skills or consultation as well as as safety and navigation skills to children, birth to age 22, who are blind or visually impaired.   

Head Start: Head Start offers early childhood education for young children aged three to five whose families meet federal poverty guidelines. The program offers part- and full-time education, home visitors, and nurturing parenting services. 

Higher Opportunity for Pathways to Employment (HOPE) is a program helping Maine families pursue training and education beyond high school and achieve their career plans by addressing barriers to success. HOPE helps to cover costs related to school, including short-term training certificates and associate or bachelor's degree.

Parents as Scholars is a monthly benefit through TANF that helps parents working through a two- or four-year degree- education program. The program helps participants overcome barriers to educational attainment to assist with self-supporting employment. 

Maine Adult Education Association offers a variety of education and educational support opportunities, including literacy skills, high school completion, business and skills training, and college transitions. 

Mental Health and Rehabilitation Technician MHRT Certification: Resources are available including training, continuing education, and certification for individuals interested in becoming frontline mental health workers.

Peer Support Training and Certification Individuals identifying as having lived experience with mental health challenges can receive training to become Certified Intention Peer Support Specialists who are employed to offer support to others with mental health difficulties.  

Re-Employment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) Program provides Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimants who qualify with opportunities such as one-on-one coaching and relevant services to help you on your reemployment journey.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is part of the Cooperative Extension System, a publicly funded educational network.