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Patrick Blanchette |
The Maine Educational Opportunity Center has hired a new adviser for Aroostook and Northern Penobscot counties. A native of Portsmouth, N.H., Blanchette comes from a background of mental health and human services with a BA in science from the University of Maine, Augusta.
As an MEOC advisor, Blanchette will host several workshops in northern Penobscot and Aroostook counties on topics including career counseling and filing for financial aid.
He is a passionate supporter of MEOC’s initiative to assist low-income Mainers in their pursuit of post-secondary education.
A veteran, he is also a father of three and therefore understands the challenges of balancing career goals with family life. When he first moved to Aroostook County in 2005, he took advantage of MEOC’s program. Since then, he has held a variety of positions including an internship with the Maine Military and Community Network, which led him to collaborating with The Maine Humanities Council, MPBN, and Aroostook County municipal government.
Karen Keim, MEOC director, indicated his experience has given him a broad understanding of application processes, grants, loans and the G.I. bill.
“Patrick has a gift for recognizing natural talents in others, and he has gotten to know the people of northern Maine as well as their needs, hopes, and dreams. Aside from a passion for education, Mr. Blanchette has an interest in sustainable living and is an excellent artisan bread baker,” Keim said.
The MEOC is a federally funded initiative that works with communities across Maine, spreading information and promoting access to college for those populations who could benefit the most from higher education.
Visit meoc.maine.edu or call 1 (800) 281-3703 for more information.
