MCCS President David Daigler Statement on Governor’s Economic Recovery Committee Report

November 24, 2020

AUGUSTA, ME — Maine’s community colleges are ready to act on economic recovery strategies outlined in a report issued Tuesday by the Governor’s Economic Recovery Committee.

“Maine’s community colleges stand ready to support the recommendations in this report,” said David Daigler, president of the Maine Community College System.

“We are the most affordable and accessible workforce development institution in Maine and we are eager play a major role in workforce training across the state. It’s what we do, and with the support recommended in this report, we can expand those programs to reach far more Mainers faster. That’s an exciting – and achievable – goal.”

Maine’s seven community colleges provide education and training to over 29,000 individuals each year and offer nearly 300 degree and certificate options in over 140 occupational fields. More than 75 percent of those offerings are the only ones of their kind in the state.

Demand for short-term workforce training through the Maine Quality Centers has increased tremendously in recent years. The number of graduates from Maine Quality Centers programs has increased 300 percent over the last two years.