Education
Maine has a long tradition of quality education. A first-in-the-nation program several years ago to provide laptop computers to all of Maine’s 7th and 8th graders was nationally recognized.
The Twin Cities of Lewiston and Auburn have numerous primary, middle and secondary schools. L-A’s school systems have gained national attention for its innovative programs, including incorporating arts in the classroom through the non-profit L/A Arts organization, welcoming business partnerships, and launching innovative after-school programs.
Some of the nation’s brightest minds were educated in our primary schools, including U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe, Nobel Prize Winner Dr. Bernard Lown, and American Modernist painter Marsden Hartley.
As for institutions of higher learning, Lewiston-Auburn is home to four colleges, including renowned Bates College and the University of Southern Maine/ Lewiston-Auburn College, Central Maine Community College, and Andover College.
Colleges
Bates College
Founded in 1855, Bates is recognized among the top 25 liberal arts colleges in the country according to U.S. News and World Report. The 109-acre Bates campus is located in a quiet residential area in Lewiston. As a participant in the municipal life of Lewiston and Auburn, Bates welcomes and encourages interaction with local businesses, agencies and professional organizations through service learning projects and the work of the Harward Center for Community Partnerships. The Office of Career Services works closely with employers to match graduates with the right jobs.
Typically, two thirds of Bates College students study abroad and the majority of students enroll in graduate school.
Bates College infuses an estimated $37 million annually into the Central Maine economy, and attracts an estimated 121,000 visitors to the community annually.
For more information, visit www.bates.edu.
Central Maine Community College
Students can prepare for a career in accounting, automotive technology, business, health care, computer science or other high-tech industries and enter directly into their chosen field. Students can obtain their core courses at CMCC and transfer to a four-year college or university. CMCC offers a student-centered environment, with small classes and experienced, professional instructors. CMCC also provides customized training for business, industry and job training agencies. Courses may be delivered at the College or at the employer’s location, and include both academic offerings and non-credit programs. The college also offers science degrees and boasts a culinary arts center and an acclaimed printing program.
For more information, visit www.cmcc.edu.
Maine Quality Center
In conjunction with the Maine Community College System, the Maine Quality Center is part of a statewide system to provide training for potential workers at businesses which plan to expand or locate in Maine. The Maine Quality Center provides employer-specific training programs, trainee recruitment, and pre-employment screening at no cost to qualified businesses.
The Quality Center offers:
- Regional Training Staff
- Trainee Recruitment and Screening
- Instructors
- Facilities and Training Equipment
- Training and Education Guarantee
For more information, visit www.mccs.me.edu/business/mqc.html
Andover College
Andover College offers associate’s and certificate programs in Accounting, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Medical Assisting, Paralegal Studies and Travel and Hospitality Management. Andover offers day and evening courses, and encourages civic responsibility and regional economic development through service learning opportunities, business partnerships and college community involvement. For more information, visit www.andovercollege.edu.
University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College
Students are enrolled in a wide range of degree and non-degree courses offered during the day and in the evening by USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College. Faculty and students interact with local businesses through internships and field studies, and serve as consultants to local firms. The campus boasts several science labs and conducts original research in immunology, molecular biology and environmental policy. In addition to several undergraduate programs, Lewiston-Auburn College offers graduate programs in Occupational Therapy and Leadership Studies. The University of Southern Maine also offers a variety of non-credit programs in business, computer science, Senior College and personal enrichment. The campus is also home to USM’s Franco-American Collection.
For more information, visit www.usm.maine.edu/lac.
Lewiston-Auburn Adult Education
Lewiston-Auburn Adult Education is designed to help workers acquire tools needed to reach their goals in the workplace by either attaining new skills or improving existing ones. The training programs offered are customized to meet both the employees’ and employers’ needs. These programs are cost-effective and may be offered at the employers’ location. Adult education opportunities enable employees at all skill levels to sharpen their existing skills, develop new talents, enhance their self-confidence and discover solutions to workplace challenges.
For more information, contact the Auburn center at (207)784-9220 or the Lewiston center at (207)795-4141.
