Tuesday Tips for June 2024

Reworking the Plan

This year’s high school senior class has had numerous curveballs thrown their way on the path to graduation. When it comes to paying for education after high school, some students are finding out at the eleventh hour that the school of their choice is out of reach financially—and now they have to make a new plan fast.

Luckily, many great options are available, and we’re here to share them with you! Here are pathways and tips to explore for those starting out on the graduation road trip!

Consider another route.

If a school’s cost is prohibitive, consider Maine-based colleges. Tuition-free community college is available to this year’s high school graduates and remains available to the classes of 2022 through 2025. For students wanting to earn a four-year degree, the Maine Community College System has articulation agreements with many Maine-based colleges, providing a pathway from a community college to a four-year school. These agreements, along with careful planning, can help a student save time and money on the road to earning their degree(s).

It’s not too late to apply to one of the many Maine colleges with rolling deadlines. Many types of financial aid are still available! Interested individuals should talk to an admissions counselor at their selected school to learn how to apply over the summer and get up to speed on the documents needed to enroll. If this seems like too much to complete by September, students do have the option to start later in the school year.

Use a navigator.

Enrolling in college can seem like a full-time job. All schools have numerous departments with forms to complete, tests to take, or interviews to do. But schools also have departments on campus designed to help students navigate these processes and succeed once enrolled. MEOC, Embark, JMG, and Student Support Services are all organizations that help students remove barriers and smooth the bumps in the road. 

Get directions.

It’s okay if students don't know in which direction they want to head. Maine has many great organizations that can help students figure out their next steps. Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) offers career counseling and programs designed for both young people and adults looking for assistance in finding their way. Maine’s Career Centers also have many programs to guide folks toward a fulfilling career. 

Earn while you learn.

The Maine Apprenticeship program is growing and provides many opportunities for interested individuals to try out a profession while getting paid. There are apprenticeships in a variety of sectors all across the state, from transportation to biotechnology. This is a great opportunity for students to "test-drive" an occupation and see if it aligns with their passions and goals.

FAME is here to help.

FAME will continue to be a resource throughout the summer to support students preparing for education after high school. We’ll be offering free financial aid coaching and FAFSA assistance via email, phone, and Zoom meetings. We'll also be reaching out on streaming services and radio to ensure that everyone who's even considering school next year completes the FAFSA to keep their options open. Please let us know how we can assist you!

FAME's College Access and Financial Education Team

Connect with Us!

The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) does not discriminate in the administration of any of its programs or in its employment practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. FAME is an equal opportunity employer, provider, and lender.

FAME provides links to other websites as a convenience and does not endorse or guarantee the content, accuracy, or usability of such sites.