NMCC awards pilot programs

    PRESQUE ISLE — A luncheon was held at Northern Maine Community College on Oct. 15 to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Early College for ME and to recognize Aroostook County’s three pilot schools in the program, St. John Valley Technology Center in Frenchville, Caribou High School, and Houlton High School. 
    Early College for ME is a comprehensive college transition program designed for students who are undecided about college and are in good standing in their high school as a junior. ECforME offers a combination of support, advising, Early College courses, scholarships (up to $2000) and assistance to help students prepare for and be successful in college. The program started five years ago with 25 pilot schools statewide.
    Each of the three Aroostook County pilot schools was recognized during the luncheon, with a commemorative plaque presented to representatives of each school. The plaques were presented by Charlie Collins, state director for Early College for ME, and Ruth White, the regional director.  
    “These three schools grasped the vision we presented to them five years ago and worked with us, guided us and made suggestions as we tweaked and fine tuned the program,” said White. “They are as excited about the program now as they were when we first walked in the door.  Students from these schools have received $57,500 in scholarship monies through 2006.  It has been a great partnership and continues to strengthen.”
    These three pilot schools were selected based on their geographic location within the County, as well as their indication of interest in the program when the concept was presented five years ago, according to White.
    Accepting the award on behalf of Houlton High School was Jon Turner, director of guidance, and Holly McPartland, guidance counselor. 
    A plaque was also presented to NMCC for being a supportive partner of ECforME, which is a Maine Community College System program.  The northern Maine regional ECforME office, which works with schools throughout both Aroostook and Washington County, is housed on the NMCC campus in Presque Isle.
    The ECforME program has continued to grow over the past five years.  A total of 74 schools across the state are currently participating in the program, seven of those from Aroostook County.
    For more information on Early College for ME, go to: www.earlycollege.me.edu.