Free Courses for High School Students

UMA’s statewide presence and institutional mission of access uniquely position the Office of Early College (OEC) to meet students where they are. With campuses in both Augusta and Bangor, 30 sites & centers in communities across Maine and a robust offering of online courses, where you live matter less than your desire to get a head start. Learn about UMA’s Early College programs below, or download our printable PDF.

Aspirations

Aspirations provides an opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to enroll in courses at Maine’s Public Universities that take place on a college campus or online. Courses are taught by a college professor and include high school and college students.

Bridge Academy

The Bridge Academy capitalizes on the high graduation rate of high school students enrolled in CTE courses by adding college level courses to their programming to produce a high school graduate that has up to 24 college credits and real-world credentials. This approach demonstrates the relevance (to students) of college level academics to the success of a technical career pathway. Layered into the program at every level is mentoring, creating an atmosphere of success. Information from Bridge Academy Maine.

Concurrent Enrollment

Concurrent Enrollment includes courses taught by college-approved high school teachers on the high school campus. Students gain exposure to the academic challenges of college while in their supportive high school environment. Dual enrollment also facilitates close collaboration between high school teachers and college faculty that fosters alignment of secondary and postsecondary curricula. Information from The National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships.