University of Maine and Maine Community College System announce Black Bear Advantage program

BANGOR -- The University of Maine and Maine Community College System announced a first-of-its kind collaborative enrollment program today that aims to benefit community college students statewide. 

The Black Bear Advantage program is an innovative co-enrollment program between the institutions that creates a seamless transition for community college students who want to further their studies at the University of Maine or University of Maine Machias once obtaining their associates degree. 

Educators say by having students gradually begin taking courses through UMaine it mitigates the loss of community college credit that they say often happens through the transfer process.

"We know that many of our students transfer to the University of Maine but what's different about this agreement is it really starts from the beginning to create a connection between the two institutions," said Janet Sortor, Vice President & Chief Academic Officer, Maine Community College System. 

Representatives from both the University of Maine and Maine Community College System signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize the program. 

"We're gonna see real synergies that come out of this and I think it will only grow so we're thrilled to be partnering with the community college system," said John Volin, Provost & Exec. Vice President of Academic Affairs for the University of Maine System. 

Both institutions hope it will ultimately grow the size and skill of the Maine workforce. 

The program's first phase will focus on degree programs with existing articulation agreements between participating MCCS colleges. This will encompass a wide range of disciplines. 

The program is expected to be available to students in the fall.