College & Career

College Transitions Programs Are Available Across the State With Maine Adult Education

Introduction

Thinking about a college degree? It’s possible for anyone with help from Maine Adult Education. Did you know that there are 65 adult education programs located across the state and they are ready to help you get the skills you need to enter college?

Find Your Local Program HERE.

Let’s dive in and explore these programs in detail, answering the most common questions and helping you understand what’s next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Making a decision about a attending college can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling other responsibilities. But knowing the answers to a few key questions can help make the path forward clearer and more achievable. Here’s what you might be wondering:

How Can I Find Out What Program is Right for Me?

Adult education programs offer career and interest surveys to help you find out what degree programs might appeal more to your personality. These inventories look at many things like these:

Self-Assessment Questions – You will answer a series of questions about activities you enjoy, tasks you find rewarding, subjects you like, and environments you prefer to work in.
Interest Categories – Your responses are grouped into interest categories – often based on models that will let you learn more about yourself, like are you more realistic, investigative or artistic? These categories will tell you more about what work you might enjoy.
Profile Generation – This part of the inventory will tell you what your main interest areas are and how those will translate to work.
Career Matching – Inventories will than suggest careers that align with your interests and may also offer information about typical job duties, education requirements, and salary ranges.
Reflection and Planning – Results are used as a starting point for deeper exploration, goal setting, and decision making about education or training paths.

What if I Need to Brush Up On My Academic Skills?

Adult education programs are ready to inventory your skills and look at where there may be needs and in what areas you are ready to go. Programs use an inventory or assessment called the CASAS. Now, this is called an assessment but it’s not a test where you pass or fail. The CASAS just gives us information about your skills. We’ll use what we learn to build your plan to move ahead with training.

The CASAS is the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System. It assesses reading, math, listening, writing, and speaking abilities, and is used to determine placement in courses, diagnose learning needs, monitor progress, and certify proficiency.

National and International Usage: CASAS is used in adult education settings across the United States and internationally, and its validity and reliability are recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Labor.

Purpose: CASAS is designed to help adult learners, particularly those in adult education and workforce development programs, transition to postsecondary education and employment.

Skills Assessed: The test covers essential skills for everyday life and the workplace, including reading comprehension, math problem-solving, listening and speaking skills, and writing proficiency.

Uses of the CASAS:

Placement: CASAS helps determine the appropriate skill level for students entering adult education programs, including those preparing for HiSET/GED programs or ESL classes.

Diagnosis: The test identifies specific areas where students may need additional support or instruction.

Progress Monitoring: CASAS can be used to track student progress over time and assess the effectiveness of educational programs.

Certification: The test can be used to certify proficiency in specific skills, such as reading and math, for various purposes.

Format:The CASAS test is generally a computer-administered exam, but some assessments may also be available in paper format. It typically includes both appraisals (shorter assessments) and assessments (longer, more in-depth assessments) in reading and math.

How Will I Pay For College?

We understand that cost is one of the biggest questions you might have when considering a training program. Our College Transition Coordinators in adult education programs can help each person figure out the best path to pay for college. Let’s break it down:

Most adults can use a combination of financial aid, student loans, scholarships, grants and their own savings or income to pay for college. Filling out the FAFSA is a key first step in exploring these options. the FAFSA is a financial aid form that our staff can help you access, fill out and submit. We’ll support you all the way!

Here’s a more detailed look at how adults can pay for college:

Financial Aid:. This includes federal, state, and institutional grants and loans. Completing the FAFSA helps determine eligibility for federal aid.
Student Loans:. Federal loans offer borrower protections and potentially more affordable repayment options than private loans.
Scholarships and Grants:. These are funds that don’t need to be repaid and can be awarded by various organizations, including schools, local communities, and private groups.
Personal Savings and Income:. Using existing savings, like 529 plans, and current income to pay for tuition is a common strategy.
Employer Tuition Assistance:. Some employers offer tuition assistance programs, which can be a valuable resource for adult learners.
Work-Study Programs:. These allow students to earn money while attending school, potentially offsetting costs.
Local Community Organizations:. Many organizations offer scholarships and grants to help with college costs.

If cost is a barrier, know that there are solutions. Program advisors are experienced in helping students find the right financial fit and guiding them through the application process.

Don’t Let Cost Stop You.
Take the first step by contacting your local adult education program. They’ll help you explore your options and connect you with resources to make your training affordable, or even free. The investment you make now can lead to a lifetime of meaningful work and financial security.

What Support is Provided By Adult Education College Transitions Programs?

You’re not on this journey alone. Maine’s adult education programs are here to support you every step of the way:

Career Counseling: We’ll help you figure out your goals and connect you with resources to reach them.
Academic Guidance: Instructors understand that adult learners have unique challenges and will work with you to succeed.
Flexible Schedules: Whether you need evening classes or hybrid options, there’s a schedule that fits your life.
Job Placement Referral: Once you’re certified, we’ll refer you to entities that are hiring.

What’s Next?

1. Set a Goal Plan

Our college transitions coordinators will help you develop a goal plan. We’ll set an end goal and then work backwards to develop the steps you need to talk to complete your goal. Goal plans are different for every adult but we’ll set yours so that you are ready for success?

2. Begin Action Steps

You will put your plan into action. It might be that you need to file some paperwork with the college to get started and take a math class through adult education at the same time. Whatever your need, we’ll help.

3. Monitor Barriers

What are those things that get in the way of your learning plan? Your college transitions advisor will help you monitor those things and find support from other agencies if needed. For example, if you are struggling with childcare that is needed for you to attend classes, your advisor will help you access childcare resources in your community. There is help and support for adults who want to learn. It’s more about finding the right support and resources to help you succeed. We’ll help you with that!

4. Get Ready for Success!

Well formed and monitored goal plans mean success! Get ready to reach your dreams! We can help.