Organizations across Kennebec County are leveraging the benefits of partnerships with local community and state colleges. As an example, the University of Maine in Augusta (UMA) is working with local businesses to develop customized training programs for their industry and providing continuing education opportunities at little or no cost to employees.
As of summer 2023, UMA was partnering with over 45 businesses, organizations, and state or town agencies in the community to support employees in furthering their education. Over 90 employees were served in the spring 2023 semester alone, and this number continues to increase with new partnerships coming online all the time.
As an example, UMA supported 30 employees from NFI North and KidsPeace – mental and behavioral health agencies – by enrolling their staff in a pathway program to earn a certificate in behavioral health that can be counted toward an associate or bachelor’s degree program. UMA offers a reduced tuition rate for the agencies, and tuition is reimbursed by the employers.
UMA’s commitment to the region is strong and growing, via the appointment of Nathan Parenteau, director of enrollment partnerships. Any business or agency interested in developing an employer-based partnership can reach Nate at 621-3068, or nathan.parenteau@maine.edu.
These kinds of partnerships benefit all parties: they support the individual employee through new knowledge, skills, and certificates or degrees that could lead to higher paying positions and overall improved financial stability; they help the business by creating a more knowledgeable and skilled workforce; and they help the colleges by creating an ongoing enrollment opportunity. Talk about a win, win, win for Kennebec County!
