Maine's Secret Weapon for Student Success

Maine's student population is aging. This is a fact. With the oldest residents in the country, many people are returning to school later in life. This trend is not just in Maine. It's happening all over. But what makes Maine unique is its TRIO program. It's a lifeline for nontraditional students. TRIO is a federal program. It offers tutoring, mentoring, and counseling. It helps students who might otherwise struggle. For example, at Kennebec Valley Community College, TRIO provided workshops. These workshops helped students like Karen Winfree. She is a nontraditional student. TRIO taught her new technology and study habits. It also helped her balance school, family, and work.But TRIO is more than just academic support. It fosters a sense of community. This is crucial for nontraditional students. They often feel out of place. TRIO connects them with mentors and resources. It gives them the confidence to seek help. However, TRIO's success is fragile. Funding can be cut. This happened at Thomas College. Karen was accepted into the program. But when funding was lost, she couldn't participate. This shows how vital TRIO is. It's not just about individual success. It's about Maine's workforce. TRIO helps parents, veterans, and career changers. It gives them the tools to succeed. Without TRIO, many students would struggle. It's an investment in Maine's future. Cutting TRIO funding weakens the state's ability to adapt. It's a critical program. It deserves support.