Education

Education

Are you a student or do you want to go back to school? You may be able to get help with your education.

Parents as Scholars Program (PaS), the Higher Opportunity for Pathways to Employment (HOPE), the Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP) and the Dislocated Worker Benefit Program (DWB) provide valuable education and training opportunities.

We have information about each of these educational supports.

Parents: apply for more help with higher ed costs!

We are accepting applications for the Build HOPE Project, which provides financial support to families participating in HOPE or Parents as Scholars to help families meet their needs and to help students achieve their goals.

When you are juggling parenting, school, and even work, there are so many things, like an overdue electric bill or an unaffordable car repair, that can get you off track.

Anyone can apply who is currently enrolled in the HOPE program, the Parents as Scholars program, or is receiving TANF and attending an approved education or training program. Select the "I would like info on the Build HOPE project" option: 

Apply Now

Learn more about getting help with your education.

PaS, HOPE, and CSSP are all specifically designed to provide high value post-secondary degrees or industry-recognized credentials to people with low income. These programs increase the odds that participating families will leave poverty for good by increasing skill levels and promoting long-term financial stability. You can read an overview of these programs for more information: Education and Training Opportunities for Adults with Limited Income.

Parents as Scholars

Parents as Scholars is a program through TANF that helps low-income parents who are enrolled in two or four-year college studies with:

  • Monthly cash benefits (the same amount you would receive from TANF)
  • Support services including child-care, transportation reimbursement, car repairs, books and supplies (the amounts for these supportive services are determined by program rules).

In most cases Parents as Scholars does not help with tuition and fees.

  • Parents as Scholars may be for you
    Basic information about the Parents as Scholars program
  • Parents as Scholars: Program Guide
    Details about the Parents as Scholars program, how to apply and what is required

Competitive Skills Scholarship Program

The Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP) is a Maine Department of Labor program. It helps people earn certificates or degrees in certain fields. The program focuses on high-wage in-demand jobs in Maine. The education is free.

The program is often full and enrollment periods are unpredictable.

Higher Opportunity Pathways to Employment (HOPE) Program

HOPE provides financial support to eligible parents for training and education to help parents enroll in and complete their degree.

More places have recently opened up in this program.

Maine Equal Justice focuses its work on many of the issues that affect people’s daily lives – access to adequate health care, housing, transportation and childcare; food and income security; and higher education and training. Maine Equal Justice is a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization. Our EIN is 04-3346273. 
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