May 2025

Tuesday Tips

1. Apply for Financial Aid

The first step in affording a certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This one form gets you access to federal, state, and often institutional financial aid. If your FAFSA doesn’t reflect your family’s financial situation, contact the financial aid office to discuss an appeal. Depending on your circumstances, an appeal could make you eligible for more aid.

Need help completing your FAFSA or drafting an appeal? Schedule a one-to-one financial aid coaching session at FAMEmaine.com/Contact.

2. Explore Scholarship Opportunities

Mainers are lucky to have so many scholarships opportunities available to them! Here are some resources with opportunities:

• Look for scholarships using FAME’s Scholarship Search Tool.
• The Maine Community Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for both traditional and non-traditional students.
• The Worthington Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships to approximately 1,000 Maine high school seniors per year.
• A Mitchell Scholarship is awarded to at least one senior at each public school in Maine annually.
• Mainers over 18 may be eligible for a Competitive Skills Scholarship through Maine CareerCenter. 

3. Consider Workforce Development Programs

Maine has several workforce development programs designed to help Mainers level up their skills and meet the state’s need for a trained workforce. Below are some programs to look into:

• The Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce coordinates short-term workforce training programs within Maine’s community colleges, working closely with business leaders and workforce specialists throughout the state.
• The Maine Apprenticeship Program offers the opportunity to learn about a prospective career and gain skills while earning a paycheck.
• Eastern Maine Development Corporation helps Mainers get the training they need to find meaningful employment.
• Healthcare Training for ME is a statewide collaboration of educational institutions and partners working together to ensure Mainers can easily access healthcare training opportunities and support.
• DHHS offers programs available to SNAP recipients and/or parents who are attending higher education.

4. Check Out Free Tuition Programs

There are a variety of colleges in Maine offering a free tuition program. Each college is unique in their eligibility, so be sure to find the specifics of each you are interested in. Here are some options to check out:

• Several campuses within the University of Maine System offer free tuition to those who qualify. To learn more, check out these schools UMFK, UMM, UMA, UMPI, and UM.
• Some private institutions, including UNE and Husson, also have a free tuition programs. 
• The Maine Community College System offers free tuition and fees to graduates from the classes of 2022-2025.
•  Maine offers tuition waivers to certain current or former students in the Maine Foster Care program and to students who have lost a parent in the line of duty. Additional information can be found at FAMEMaine.com.

5. Micro-Credentials and Free Classes

Earning a micro-credential is a great, low-cost way to showcase your skills that are needed in today’s workforce. Keep in mind that standalone courses can also help you achieve your goals and become a valuable asset! Below are some resources for micro-credential courses:

• The University of Maine System (UMS) offers micro-credentials that are made up of stackable digital badges, which highlight the skills employers are seeking. 
• New Ventures Maine offers free courses and individual coaching to help people find good jobs, further their education, launch new businesses, and build their assets. For more information go to NewVenturesMaine.org. 

We know that it can be overwhelming with all the choices for your future and we are here to help. If you would like one-to-one planning help to fund the pathway of your choice, sign up for free Financial Aid Coaching at FAMEmaine.com/contact. New appointment times are added to the schedule regularly. You can also call us at 800-228-3734 or email Education@FAMEmaine.com for more information.  

Check Out FAME’s Previous Tips and Webinars

Funding Pathways for Workforce and Credentials of Value

When it comes to education after high school there are more options and sources of funding than ever! Watch this months webinar to learn about programs and discuss how traditional and non-traditional students can afford a pathway to achieve their higher education goals. Click here for more of our webinars.

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