Helping Maine’s Low Income and Potential First Generation College
Adults Access Higher Education Since 1991

Maine Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC)

• Provides one-on-one and group support, and guidance to low income adults who will be the first in their families to attend college.
• Is funded entirely by the United States Dept. of Education and sponsored by the University of Maine’s College of Education and Human Development.
• Provides access to postsecondary education to a minimum of 2,250 adults per year.

The Mission of MEOC is:

• Increase the awareness of post secondary educational opportunities available to Maine’s low income, first generation adults who desire to pursue higher education.
• Assist eligible adults in successfully matching career goals to education plans with the goal of ultimately earning a college degree.

Why Educational Opportunity Center in Maine?

• 73% of individuals aged 25 or over in Maine do not have a college degree. Maine ranks 38 in the nation in this category. In some of Maine’s more rural counties this number reaches 90%. (Maine Development Foundation: 2001 Measures of Growth Report).
• Only 72% of 2005 Maine high school graduates enrolled in college the following fall. (ME Dept of Education).
• Students from families whose parents did not attend college score significantly lower on the Maine Educational Assessment than students whose parents are college educated (ME Dept of Education)
• Of adults aged 25 or older with a high school credential, only 4.8% are enrolled in Maine’s universities or community colleges. (US Census, American Community Survey, 2004 & ME State Adult Education Report, 2004)
• Of adults aged 25 or older without a high school diploma, only 2.3% achieved a high school credential in 2003-2004. (US Census, American Community Survey, 2004 & Maine State Adult Education Report, 2004)

A Measure of Student and Program Success

Maine Educational Opportunity Center has a notable record of student and program success.

In 2011,

• 909 MEOC participants enrolled in college.
• 100% (1828) of new MEOC participants developed career and educational plans .

Since 1991,

• MEOC has placed more than 1,300 adults in college.
• MEOC has assisted more than 38,790 Maine adults in exploring college and career options.

Why Is MEOC Successful?

MEOC participants experience a diverse series of workshops - as well as opportunities that promote higher education. Our services focus on:

• Academic Skills (i.e. test-taking, study skills, etc)
• College Awareness & Planning
• Career Education & Exploration
• Financial Planning/Financial Aid process

MEOC Succeeds - Year After Year

MEOC has established collaborative relationships with colleges, adult education centers and community agencies. For low income, first generation students, MEOC works to break the cycle of poverty by encouraging adults to pursue post secondary education.

“My Educational Opportunity advisor showed me that a college education was going to improve my standard of living…more importantly she gave me the tools I needed to learn how to balance a family, a job while attending college.”

--Karen B.
Portland, Maine

“As a non-traditional student reentering the academic arena was not only intimidating but also unrealistic. My MEOC advisor encouraged me to cross the barriers of my own fear and achieve a life long dream, a college education .”
--Bonnie L.
Bucksport, Maine

Maine’s low income, first
generation adults deserve equal opportunity and access to higher education.
For more information about
TRiO programs visit:

http://meoc.maine.edu
www.meeoa.org
www.neoaonline.com
www.coenet.us