Derek Langhauser, President of the Maine Community College System (MCCS), was introduced by David Clough. Derek became president in March 2016. Dave highlighted the direct connection between business and the community colleges.
MCCS serves 1700 students and provides training to an additional 13,000 people, with an average age of 26. Most attend a college within 25 miles of their home. 92% of the MCCS graduates stay in Maine. 75% of what is offered by MCCS is not offered by any other institution. The biggest challenge for MCCS is addressing the changing needs of the Maine workforce. There are 7 colleges, from Wells to Presque Isle, offering 300 certificate options.
Derek noted that education levels and income levels match. By 2020 66% of all jobs in Maine will require at least a one-year certificate. In Maine only 38% of high school graduates go on directly to college. Maine high school graduates are losing out on significant income potential. Dislocated workers from the paper industry are coming back to school, and upon graduation secure good jobs, like building Hinkley, and other yachts. 1000 graduates each year transfer on to the University of Maine system.
MCCS has the lowest tuition in New England, at $3600 for tuition and fees.
78% of applicants seek financial aid and 60% qualify for Pell grants. 60% work while studying, because they must....half of these students work 30 hours per week....40% more work 20 hours per week. Some students are desperately poor. MCCS discovered a male student who had not eaten in 8 days!
The Maine workforce is stressed. There are more deaths than births in Maine. The priorities for MCCS are student retention and building a skilled workforce for Maine. Community College and Correctional Facilities cooperate to assist Long Creek residents leaving the correctional system. A significant number of returning veterans are enrolled in college, with special service needs and MCCS coordinates with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs to serve their needs. MCCS is trying to assess military training and give veterans credit for it.
For more information, visit ccs.me.edu.
(Photo L-R: President Don Zillman, Derek Langhauser and David Clough.)