Funding for college courses available

    HOULTON — The Maine Department of Education has allocated $280,000 in the academic year 07-08 for high school juniors and seniors wishing to enroll in college courses under Maine’s High School Aspirations Incentive Program. As part of this program, students may take courses at any of Maine’s Community College and University campuses, including courses at University College Center at Houlton.
    The funding allows many more Aroostook County high school students to take college courses, tuition free, at the Houlton Center. The Maine Department of Education pays 50 percent of the tuition cost and most fees (up to three credit hours per semester) and the college waives the other half of the tuition. The program allows students to explore the college experience in a small classroom environment while getting a head start on college credits at no cost. Courses will transfer to a college degree program if completed with a grade of a C or better.
    Course selection is limited to college-level classes taught onsite by faculty at the Center and is contingent upon space availability. Eligible high school students must have a grade point average of “B” or better, meet course prerequisites, and complete an Aspirations application form.
    “This is a wonderful opportunity for students to experience the college classroom before they begin their college careers,” said Chuck Ames, director of the Houlton University College Center. “The amount of funding this year will allow more high school students to take advantage of the program.”
    Classes at the Houlton Center are offered during the day, evenings and Saturdays. Most classes for the Spring 2008 semester begin Jan. 14. General registration begins Nov. 8.
    For more information or to register call the Houlton Center at 521-3100. A complete list of on-site courses offered at the center is available online at: www.learn.maine.edu/.