PRESQUE ISLE – Northern Maine Community College will host informational sessions in northern, central and southern Aroostook County beginning Aug. 10 to help those impacted by the downturn in the economy and to inform area residents interested in learning about their options for higher education and training in the region.
The College Info Nights are planned for Monday, Aug. 10 at the Houlton Higher Education Center, Tuesday, Aug. 11 at Madawaska High School, and Wednesday, Aug. 12 on the NMCC campus in Presque Isle. All three sessions will run from 5-7:30 p.m.
The Info Nights are designed for members of the public who are interested in learning more about the college and the various certificate and associate degree programs offered on the Presque Isle campus and at centers in northern and southern Aroostook County. The college is extending a special invitation to individuals who may have recently been laid-off or fear they may lose their job in the coming months and are uncertain about their future.
In addition to information on programs offered at the college, Info Night attendees will be able to learn more about financing their education and about financial aid that is available to many students. A recent cost comparison affirmed that NMCC offers the lowest public higher education tuition rates in the state of Maine at $84 per credit hour.
As a further incentive, NMCC will waive the standard application fee for individuals who attend the Info Nights and apply for a specific program of study, and registration fees will be waived for those who do not enroll in a program but sign up for individual courses.
“Info Night provides a wonderful opportunity for community members to learn what the college has to offer and see for themselves how convenient class offerings can work into most schedules,” said Jason Parent, director of development and college relations. “Over the years, many individuals have found success at NMCC, and subsequently in the workforce, because they took the first step and attended Info Night.”
One such individual is Robert Gagnon of Madawaska, who was one of the individuals impacted by the downsizing at Fraser Papers in the St. John Valley. He is about to begin his final year at NMCC and will earn an associate’s degree in plumbing and heating in May 2010.
“Having been in the workforce for years, I was worried about returning to school, but I took the first step by attending NMCC’s Info Night in the Valley,” said Gagnon. “Now, I can truly say that it has been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I would recommend it to anyone who is uncertain of whether or not they will succeed going back to school after many years.
“NMCC made it both easy and very pleasant,” he said. “Taking classes in the St. John Valley through NMCC’s local center saves travel time and costs. The small, informal classes are great.”
Denise Sock of Ashland, who completed her degree in medical office administration this past May and is now employed at a Presque Isle business, visited an Info Night at NMCC in the summer of 2006.
“I attended Info Night and was very unsure and quite nervous about being a non-traditional student and starting a new path in life. I got all of the information I needed to get started and was reassured and encouraged that everything would be okay,” said Sock. “Everything has been great. I encourage others to attend Info Night. College has been an awesome experience, and I’m glad I took that first step.”
The College Info Nights are tailored to each individual who attends. Participants can walk in at any time from 5-7:30 p.m. for a one-on-one session with an NMCC representative.
For more information on the NMCC College Info Nights, visit the college Web site at www.nmcc.edu or call the Presque Isle campus at 768-2787, the St. John Valley Center at 551-5781, or the Houlton Higher Education Center at 521-3100.
