Career Training & Education FAQs

Women, Work, and Community

Women, Work and Community is a non-profit agency that works with women and men to support, guide, and provide the tools needed to take the next steps toward a more promising future.

Phone: (207) 778-2757 or 1-800-442-2092, 108 Perham St., Farmington

Foster Regional Applied

Technology Center: The Foster Regional Applied Technology Center is part of Mt. Blue High School. It provides technical classes to high school students all over Greater Franklin County. Foster Regional Applied Technology Center offers programs such as: Automotive technology, Building construction, Commercial art, Computer technology, Culinary arts, Forestry, Welding, CNA, and Firefighting.

Phone: (207) 778-3562, 129 Seamon Rd., Farmington. Contact: Glenn Kapiloff, Director

CareerCenter

The CareerCenter is the place to start when you’re looking for your first job, your next job, a better job - or a whole new career. It’s also the place to find information on training and education. Employment and training services include career information center, career assessment, aptitude testing and exploration, employment competency training, interview skill building, summer youth employment and training, employer services, on-the-job training, work experience and resume writing.

Phone: (207) 645-5800 or 1-800-982-4311, 865 US Rt. 2, Wilton, Hours: Monday-Friday 8-5 p.m.

Adult Education Centers

Adults who need to acquire life skills, improve basic literacy skills, learn English as a second language, acquire or upgrade writing, math, or computer skills, attain high school credits for a diploma or entrance to college or technical school, and those aspiring to earn a GED. There are no fees for adult basic education classes or GED testing. There are fees (depending on the type of class) for Adult and Community Education classes.

MSAD #9 Adult Ed

Phone: (207) 778-3460, 108 Fairbanks Rd., Farmington, Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm; Friday, 8:30 am - 1:00 pm. GED by appointment. There are some evening classes available for individual and computer instruction. Contact: Ray Therrien

MSAD #36/Jay Adult Ed

Phone: (207) 897-2083, 19 Main St., Livermore Falls, Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am to 9:00 pm; Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. ITV hours from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. Contact: Carrie Castonguay

MSAD #58 Adult Ed

Phone: (207) 678-2701 ext. 226, RR1 Box 760, Strong, Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm; Friday, 8:30 am - 1:00 pm. GED by appointment. There are some evening classes available for individual and computer instruction. Contact: Gary Perlson

Rangeley Adult Ed

Phone: (207) 864-3311, PO Box 97, Loon Lake Rd., Rangeley. Contact: Heidi Deery

If you are looking to find a way to pay for a higher education for yourself, the Parents as Scholars program may help you.

What is the Parents as Scholars program?

The Parents as Scholars program is an assistance program for parents who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and would like to get a post-secondary degree in a two or four-year program.

Who is eligible for this program?

If you are on TANF and have a child or children then you qualify for this program.

What are the benefits if I join this program?

Care:

For children under the age of 13. If a child is 13 or older and has a physical or mental condition and cannot take care of himself/herself, childcare will be provided.

Transportation:

Transportation is reimbursed at .24 cents per mile (up to a maximum of 400 miles per week). Reimbursement is also available for public transportation and car-pooling. Taxi fare is available for temporary assistance when needed.

Car Repairs:

The PaS program will pay up to a maximum of $500 in a year for needed car repairs. The vehicle must be registered to the PaS family.

Auto Insurance:

PaS will pay the minimum liability insurance required by Maine law up to a maximum cost of $300 for the time that you are enrolled in PaS. If the vehicle is owned jointly with another person or used by another person, PaS will only pay your share of the cost.

Eye Care:

PaS will pay the cost of eye care, not covered by MaineCare, that is necessary to participate in school. This includes glasses up to $200 per year. If you have a special vision problem, the program may exceed this amount to cover the least expensive option to correct the problem.

Dental Care:

PaS will pay for the cost of dental care which is not covered by MaineCare, and will help with pain or help the participant become employed. PaS will pay the least expensive cost for care up to a maximum of $2000 for the time that you are enrolled in the program.

Books and Supplies:

PaS will pay up to $750 per academic year for books and supplies that are required for everyone in the class. PaS will only pay for books and supplies if you don’t have enough left from your financial aid grant (not including loans) to cover expenses.

Clothing and Uniforms:

PaS will pay for clothing and uniforms required by your program. PaS will also pay for emergency clothing to meet needs (such as a winter coat). Clothing and uniform costs are limited to $500 in a year.

Tuition and Mandatory school fees:

PaS will not usually pay tuition or mandatory fees. It will be up to the student to apply for financial aid for these items.

How do I apply for PaS?

If you are not getting TANF benefits now, you will need to:

Apply for TANF:

If you are not currently on TANF right now, you must apply for TANF benefits at a local DHHS office. The TANF application is the same application that is used for the PaS program.

Orientation meeting:

While your TANF eligibility is being determined, you will be required to attend a group orientation meeting. At the meeting, you should be told about the PaS program, as well as other options available in the TANF program.

Meet with the case manager:

Next, you will meet with your case manager. Tell the case manager that you would like to join the PaS program. Ask for the PaS application form, fill it out and give it back to your case manager.

Written decision:

You should get a written decision, within 30 days of your request telling you whether or not you will be admitted to the PaS program.

If you are receiving TANF benefits now, you will need to:

Apply for PaS at any time: You can apply for the PaS program at any time. Ask your case manager for an application. Complete the form and return it to your case manager. (Be prepared to show that you meet the six eligibility requirements)

What are the six eligibility requirements?

You are eligible for TANF.
You are enrolled in a two or four-year post secondary degree program.
You do not already have a bachelor’s degree in a field in which work is available for you.
You do not have the skills to earn at least 85% of Maine’s median wage ($41,985 for a family of three).
The degree that you will be receiving will improve your ability to support your family.
You have the aptitude to complete the educational program that you have chosen.

How will I know if my educational program and support services have been approved?

Meet with your case manager. The Maine Community Foundation (MCF) announces the establishment of the Hugh and Elizabeth Montgomery Scholarship. This renewable scholarship supports non-traditional (beyond high school age) students from Franklin County returning to school to continue their education. Scholarship applications must be postmarked by August 15, 2007. Applications are available at MCF's website, www.mainecf.org, and through MSAD 9 Adult and Community Education (contact Betty Gensel at 778-0259 with questions).

The MCF is partnering with the Franklin County Community College Network to make scholarships available to eligible students. There is preference for students for whom a scholarship would make a significant difference in their ability to attend school. First-time applicants need not be enrolled in a degree-granting program, but are encouraged to make that commitment before applying for renewal consideration.

Hugh and Elizabeth (Betty) Montgomery were residents of Phillips, Maine, who believed in accessible, affordable post-secondary education. This fund was established through a bequest of Mrs. Montgomery. A statewide organization with offices in Ellsworth and Portland, the Maine Community Foundation partners with donors and community groups to strengthen Maine communities.

Adult Education Centers:

Adults who need to acquire life skills, improve basic literacy skills, learn English as a second language, acquire or upgrade writing, math, or computer skills, attain high school credits for a diploma or entrance to college or technical school, and those aspiring to earn a GED. There are no fees for adult basic education classes or GED testing. There are fees (depending on the type of class) for Adult and Community Education classes.

MSAD #9 Adult Ed: Phone: (207) 778-3460, 108 Fairbanks Rd., Farmington, Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm; Friday, 8:30 am - 1:00 pm. GED by appointment. There are some evening classes available for individual and computer instruction. Contact: Ray Therrien.

MSAD #36 Adult Ed: Phone: (207) 897-6384, 9 Cedar St., Livermore Falls, Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am to 9:00 pm; Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. ITV hours from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. Contact: Matthew Patrick.

MSAD #58 Adult Ed: Phone: (207) 678-2701 ext. 226, RR1 Box 760, Strong, Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm; Friday, 8:30 am - 1:00 pm. GED by appointment. There are some evening classes available for individual and computer instruction. Contact: Gary Perlson.

Rangeley Adult Ed: Phone: (207) 864-3311, PO Box 97, Loon Lake Rd., Rangeley. Contact: Timothy Straub, Director. Jobs for Maine Graduates: This is a program to assist Maine’s youth to be ready for continued education, careers and citizenship so they can be active contributors to the state’s social and economic future. JMG guides them in the right direction. Contact: Cal Dorman, 778-3562, dormanc@msad9.org.

Franklin County Community College Network: College courses are now offered in Franklin County at various locations including Mt. Abram High School in Salem, Foster Technology Center in Farmington and at MSAD #9 Adult Learning Center in Farmington. To register for classes call 800-891-2002 ext 292 or contact Gary Perlson, SAD #58 Adult Ed at (207) 678-2455; Betty Gensel (207) 491-2752; Ray Therrien, MSAD #9 Adult & Community Ed at (207) 778-3460 or Glenn Kapiloff, Foster Technology Center at (207) 778-3562. For information contact Scott Knapp, President, CMMC, (207) 755-5230 or sknapp@cmcc.edu. College courses are offered through an agreement with Central Maine Community College in Auburn.

Women’s Business Center: The Women’s Business Center (WBC) at CEI offers counseling and training in a full range of business issues to new and existing women and men business owners throughout Maine. WBC staff are responsive and knowledgeable and understand the opportunities and obstacles faced by business owners. The WBC helps build business skills by providing access to timely, accurate, tailored information within a setting that respects each person's experience, management skills and learning style. WBC services can be accessed by anyone who owns or is interested in starting a business in Maine. Opportunities for networking, peer support and mentoring are also available. 107 Church Street, Farmington. (207) 778-6529

Women, Work, and Community: Women, Work and Community is a non-profit agency that works with women and men to support, guide, and provide the tools needed to take the next steps toward a more promising future. Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30 Phone: (207) 778-2757 or 1-800-442-2092, 108 Perham St., Suite A, Farmington. janetsmith@maine.edu

WorkReady: The Program is a 60-hour, no cost program that helps people attain those foundational skills that employers look for. Endorsed by local businesses, the WorkReady Credential will help separate a person from the rest of the job seekers competing for the same job. For more information, contact the CareerCenter at 645-5800 or Franklin County Adult Program at 778-3460 or MSAD#58 Adult Education Program at 678-2455.

Opportunity Center: The Opportunity Center of Northern Franklin County is a grassroots effort focusing on the economic and educational enrichment of the community. A non-profit organization, the center aims to promote partnerships with business as well as education and to serve as the catalyst to create sustainable economic opportunities. Volunteer time and your skills to help the Opportunity Center. Phone: Bill Crandall at (207) 778-9023 (evenings ) or 639-5000, P.O. Box 454, Phillips.

Foster Regional Applied Technology Center: The Foster Regional Applied Technology Center is part of Mt. Blue High School. It provides technical classes to high school students all over Greater Franklin County. Foster Regional Applied Technology Center offers programs such as: Automotive technology, Building construction, Commercial art, Computer technology, Culinary arts, Forestry, Welding, CNA, and Firefighting. Phone: (207) 778-3562, 129 Seamon Rd., Farmington. Contact: Glenn Kapiloff, Director.

CareerCenter: The CareerCenter is the place to start when you’re looking for your first job, your next job, a better job - or a whole new career. It’s also the place to find information on training and education. Employment and training services include career information center, career assessment, aptitude testing and exploration, employment competency training, interview skill building, summer youth employment and training, employer services, on-the-job training, work experience and resume writing. Phone: (207) 645-5800 or 1-800-982-4311, 865 US Rt. 2, Wilton. Hours: Monday-Friday 8-5 p.m.

Vocational Rehab Program: The Program assists individuals with disabilities that prevent them from getting or keeping a job, and need Vocational Rehabilitation services to find or keep a job. Eligibility must be determined in 60 days, but it is usually done in a much shorter period of time. To apply for Vocational Rehabilitation, call the Wilton Career Center. A VR counselor will contact you for an initial appointment. The counselor will explain the program and learn more about you and your goals. It does not cost anything to apply for services. Phone: (207) 645-5800 or 1-800-982-4311, 865 US Rt. 2, Wilton. Hours: Monday-Friday 8-5 p.m.