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WCSH Editorial March 18, 2005

College

Maine must continue to support the growth of its Universities and Community Colleges.

The Maine Community College System was created by the legislature two years ago. And when it did it opened all the doors of higher education wider.

Today the Maine Community College System servers more than 20,000 students. The number of high school graduates going directly to the Community College of their choice has jumped 41 percent in two years. 21 percent of the graduates enroll in the University of Maine System seeking a four year degree.

And you should know this; 83 percent of all instate students who graduate from UMS stay in Maine while 25 percent of out-of-state graduates stay in Maine. They get good jobs, pay taxes, and raise families.

The transition from Technical College to Community College is a success by any standard. And it was done while the economy was in the tank. But now comes the tough part.

To continue its growth and meet student needs Maine must continue to increase its financial support of both. Forcing tuition increases defeats the goal of increasing the number of college graduates in Maine.

Somehow, Maine, all of us; industry, business and individuals, must find a way to increase financial support for both systems. The rewards for that investment will benefit every citizen in the state when the better educated and better qualified graduates enters our workforce.

That's our opinion, we welcome yours.