Maine鈥檚 next generation must have the support they need to succeed and amazing opportunities here at home to chase their dreams.

Paige is pursuing her dream of working as a veterinary technician through the Veterinary Technology program at UMA Bangor Campus. While juggling part-time work and full-time academics, Paige stays involved on and off-campus through the TRiO program and by volunteering at local animal shelters like the Bangor Humane Society. Paige has joined Maine鈥檚 Public Universities and Maine Life Media to share the importance of affordable education and 天美传媒 Pine Tree State Pledge.

Tune in and go back to college with Maine Life at 7:00 PM on Saturday, February 29th on WSCH-6 and WLBZ-2 or online with .

UMA plays an important role locally in bringing higher education opportunities to those in the Rumford area through the UMA Rumford Center. Attending UMA through the UMA Rumford Center allows area residents to pursue a degree close to home thereby maintaining work and family obligations.

As part of his remarks, Vice President Henry will give an overview of the workforce development efforts by the University of Maine System, including a recent initiative to expand nursing programs across the state, and including at the UMA Rumford Center. The five-year seeks to double nursing enrollment and bring new nursing programs to the regions of Maine with the most urgent need to replace retiring nurses.

Vice President Henry will also explain how this effort to increase the nursing workforce will be aided by the successful passage of Question 4, the University of Maine System鈥檚 on the November 6 ballot. This $49 million bond will fund critically important investments that support student success, prepare UMS graduates for great careers right here in Maine, and assist employers in filling critical jobs essential to growing their businesses and our state economy.

Additionally, the Pine Tree State Pledge program, unveiled last year at UMA, provides opportunities for Pell grant eligible students to attend UMA for zero tuition. The Pine Tree State Pledge program is open to all first-time, full-time students, as well as full-time and part-time transfer students, and removes a financial barrier for those who might seek to pursue a degree, including a nursing degree, close to home.