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| UMPI delivers course at local high schools |
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On Monday, January 30, high school students in central Aroostook County will be able to take college classes in the comfort of their own schools. The University of Maine at Presque Isle will deliver three on-site courses at Caribou and Presque Isle High Schools. “High schools students have been able to take college courses within Maine’s public universities for several years through the Aspirations Program,” explained Richard Kimball, UMPI Vice President of Academic Affairs. “But the program has necessitated those students coming to our campus. Now we are bringing the courses to them.” Students at Caribou High School will be able to take College Composition and Basic Statistics, while students at Presque Isle High School will have the opportunity to enroll in Introduction to Psychology. According to Rod Doody, executive director of the Central Aroostook Council on Education, the Early College initiative that is starting around the country has proven to boost student achievement, raise aspirations and increase the number of students who successfully attend college. “We believe that County high school students can be successful in challenging college courses when they are given the right kind of support and encouragement,” said Doody. “We are excited about the opportunity to work with Caribou and Presque Isle High Schools on this pilot project.” The University is not only delivering the courses on site, but doing so at a very affordable rate. Each high school student will be required to pay a $20 application fee and a $30 course fee. For students who participate in the free lunch program, the fees will either be waived or reduced in keeping with how they are assessed by their schools. “An education beyond high school is critical in today’s economic, business and social environment,” said UMPI President Karl Burgher. “We want to ensure that our local students have access and a jump start to a bright future. This is another step to re-engaging, giving back to, and servicing our County population. We want all County students thinking about college and we want all of them thinking about UMPI.” President Burgher was instrumental in developing this plan and started talks with Superintendents Gehrig Johnson and Frank McElwain during the fall semester. Burgher’s daughter is a student at PIHS, so he was able to get engaged immediately at the high school while enrolling her this fall. The program will expand to other area schools next fall. In Caribou, UMPI Adjunct Professor Terry St. Pierre will teach the mathematics course, while Assistant Professor Eric Pelkey, a Caribou High School grad, will teach the English course. In Presque Isle, John Harrington, adjunct professor and Director of Counseling, will teach the psychology course. Interested students or parents, who want more information, should contact the guidance offices at the respective high schools. |
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University of Maine at Presque Isle
181 Main Street
Presque Isle, ME 04769
207.768.9400
A member of the University of Maine System
181 Main Street
Presque Isle, ME 04769
207.768.9400
A member of the University of Maine System