Education
Maine is a world-class education destination where every type of life-long learner is welcome.
Maine public and private educational institutions feature a wide variety of programs designed for traditional or nontraditional undergraduate and graduate students, apprenticeships and internships for professional development, and career-specific training and re-training for adult workers.
Educational attainment is a key determinant of economic success
International students contribute over $80 million to Maine’s economy annually
Colleges and universities support more than 30,000 Maine jobs
Educational institutions are global, looking to attract the best minds when recruiting talent for R&D and academic partnerships.
Welcoming international students offers many benefits, some of which are more easily measurable. In 2024, nearly 2,000 international students were enrolled in Maine schools. International students contribute over $80 million annually to Maine’s economy.
The education sector in Maine provides an important foundation for economic growth and development through global academic partnerships, international student attraction, and workforce development efforts in partnership with local businesses.
Economic growth depends on a skilled workforce. Educational institutions are training partners for Maine companies, offering solutions in many sectors including aquaculture, healthcare, and hospitality.
Join the Maine Workforce Development Compact
The Maine Workforce Development Compact is comprised of Maine businesses, associations, nonprofits, and municipalities who are committed to working together to solve Maine’s workforce challenges.
For Compact members, training can occur at one of Maine’s community colleges, by a third-party training vendor, or through your own company-based training department. All Maine companies qualify, and there are additional resources available to small- and mid-sized companies.
Join over 1,000 Maine businesses who have signed the compact to provide their employees with expanded workforce training opportunities and scholarships.
Business and Employer Preferred Educational Partnerships
In 2022, Thomas College launched employer partnerships to provide discounts on the cost of degree programs for working adults. Now with nearly 20 businesses and organizations participating, the Business and Employer Preferred Educational Partnerships are designed to provide access to a graduate and professional development curriculum that aligns with an organization’s initiatives.
Industry Support
Industry-targeted workforce/education collaboration, connects educators and business people and helps businesses offer meaningful internships through Maine Career Catalyst program
Seeks to accelerate the creation of quality jobs in Maine by investing in three of the state’s globally competitive and high-growth fields and by strengthening Maine’s workforce capacity
Assists in setting up structured yet flexible training programs designed to meet the specific needs of Maine employers through on-the-job learning and related classroom instruction
Partners with Maine companies to equip the workforce with essential tech skills and advance research and development