New Co-Enrollment Program Streamlines Pathway to UMaine and UMaine Machias for WCCC Students

BANGOR, ME – On Thursday, April 18, the University of Maine; its regional campus, the University of Maine at Machias; and the Maine Community College System (MCCS) signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize Black Bear Advantage, an innovative co-enrollment program that will benefit community college students statewide and ultimately grow the size and skill of the Maine workforce. Black Bear Advantage creates a seamless pathway with minimal loss of community college credit for students transferring to UMaine or its regional campus, UMaine Machias, following the successful completion of an associate degree from a participating MCCS college.

Within this new agreement, students from WCCC who are completing the AAS in Human Services can transfer into the BA in Psychology & Community Studies at UMaine Machias. WCCC and UMaine Machias are proud to work together to encourage WCCC students to consider continuing their education right in Washington County by earning a bachelor’s degree at UMaine Machias.

“We are grateful for this partnership with the Maine Community College System, which promises to expand academic opportunities and enrich the futures of Maine students. This collaboration builds upon the solid educational foundations laid by community colleges, empowering students to broaden their horizons,” said UMaine President and Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation Joan Ferrini-Mundy. “As Maine employers increasingly seek out individuals with a four-year degree, Black Bear Advantage comes at an advantageous time. This co-enrollment program will support the continuing development and growth of tomorrow’s innovators, problem solvers and leaders who will carry Maine into the future.” “We know many of our students transfer to and thrive at UMaine.

This new co-enrollment agreement puts community college students on the path to UMaine or UMaine Machias at the start of their academic experience, it welcomes community college students from across the state and it streamlines the path to transfer for them,” said MCCS Vice President and Chief Academic Officer Janet Sortor. “This unique partnership between the universities and Maine’s community colleges provides collaborative support and resources to students to help them achieve their goals.”

The full Maine Community College System press release and links to the UMaine and UMaine Machias degree transfer pages can be found here.