Putting federal American Recovery Plan funds into action at MCCS

As we move towards a post-pandemic economy, Maine Community College System (MCCS) is working to unleash a more powerful workforce in years to come. That work is focused in areas important to the long-term growth and economic development plans in Maine.

MCCS will use the $35 million in one-time federal funds to implement efficient, effective strategies for expanding Maine’s workforce in an era of economic transition.

MCCS priorities are aligned with the State’s 10-year economic development strategy and strengthens the education backbone of the state’s current and future workforce.

Specifically, our programs are in critical industry sectors, geographically distributed around the state, and we recruit and retain students of all walks of life so they can find meaningful work right here in Maine.

We know this model works. We regularly hear from students and business partners that Maine’s community colleges are providing life-changing and career making training every day. We are committed to continuing and expanding that good work, so Mainers can participate in a thriving post-pandemic economic landscape.

The $35 million in federal American Recovery Plan (ARP) funds will provide support for short-term training for approximately 8,500 Mainers over the life of the funding in the following workforce sectors:

Healthcare:

MCCS will use ARP funding to support about 3,800 additional health care workers in the following disciplines: Certified Nurse Assistants, Licensed Practical Nurses, Medical Assistants, Phlebotomy Technicians, Surgical Technicians, Pharmacy Technicians, and Emergency Medical Technicians.

The value of that training will be enhanced as we work in coordination with Maine's largest healthcare systems, and evolve career ladder training programs where, for example, a Certified Nurse Assistant can use prior e