Getting Inspired

Students come to Maine's community colleges for many different reasons. And they come at all ages. Some enroll right out of high school. Others are returning to school for the first time in many years, seeking to learn new skills or to start a new career. What they share is a desire to build an interesting, rewarding life. Our colleges are here to help them achieve that goal.

Read about a recent climb up Mount Katahdin by students enrolled in WCCC's adventure recreation and tourism program. [Photo right.]

See how some EMCC students enrolled in a computer integrated machinery class are teaming up with a similar class in France to build a tennis ball launcher as part of a new exchange program. Their story was featured on WABI.

Meet some of our recent graduates and see for yourself just what's possible at a Maine community college. And if you’re interested in reading about a group of current MCCS students who are making a difference in the classroom and in the community, visit our All-Maine Academic Team page.

Student Profiles

Branden Densmore

Kennebec Valley Community College
Branden Densmore dropped out of high school in the 9th grade, tripped up by a bad attitude and chronic disease. He spent the next few years working hard at a variety of jobs, but, at 19, realized he wanted more. He turned to Adult Education, earned his GED, and enrolled at KVCC, where he majored in liberal studies. Along the way, he discovered a deep love of learning that led him to a summer program at Vassar College designed to introduce community college students to the challenges and rewards of a four-year liberal arts education. He studied hard that summer—taking courses in ethics and science—and did extremely well. The experience led to a full scholarship to Vassar where he is majoring in philosophy and pre-med.

“KVCC gave me a really good foundation. I have discovered a new confidence. I honestly feel like I can accomplish anything.”

Elizabeth Boomer

WCCC and EMCC
Elizabeth Boomer of Baileyville went to work at the local paper mill after graduating from high school, following in the footsteps of her father and her grandparents. She worked in the mill for 20 years, until it closed and she and many others were laid off. Because she had often encouraged her children to go to college, she decided it was time for her to "stand up and do it," although, as she says, the prospect was "scary as heck." She enrolled in WCCC's liberal studies program, completed a number of required courses, and then transferred to EMCC's nursing program. Today, as Elizabeth prepares to be a nurse, she says with real conviction: "I know this is what I'm supposed to be doing with my life."

"Everyone cares about your success and wants to see you do well, which helped me settle into my role as a student.”

Devin Provencal

Southern Maine Community College
Devin Provencal didn't intend to go to college. He thought he'd join his father and grandfather in the family's plumbing business. While he was a student at Skowhegan Area High School, he participated in the community colleges' Early College for ME program to explore his options. Thanks in part to a scholarship he received through the program, he decided to enroll in the plumbing and heating program at SMCC. He made the Dean's List, served as a resident assistant in one of the college's dorms, and represented Maine at the National SkillsUSA championships, where he won the top prize in plumbing. After graduation, Devin returned home to Skowhegan, where he's expanded the family business to include heating as well as plumbing.

"Going to a community college helped me advance my career and provided a whole new opportunity for our family business as well."