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.

• Competitive Skills Scholarship Program
  Brochure about the Competitive Skills Scholarship Program produced by the Maine Department of Labor

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.

• Higher Opportunity Pathways to Employment (HOPE)
  More information about the program and who qualifies from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services