Seated left to right are Steering Committee
members Roger Philippon, Dave Griffiths, Bob Thompson, Candace
Sanborn, Henry Bourgeois, and Chip Morrison. Second row, left
to right are Brenda Pelletier, Alyson Stone, Rob Pelchat,
Chairperson Jan Phillips, Nicole Morin-Scribner, Celeste Yakawonis,
Betty Robinson, Judy Head, and Dale Morrell. Third row, left
to right are Tom Reichard, Rob Klinedinst, John Cook, Zark
VanZandt, Scott Knapp, Steve McFarland, Sadie Fowler, Diane
Dostie, and Tammy Grieshaber. A number of members were absent
when the photo was taken.
August 2005
Members of the College for ME - Androscoggin Steering Committee
met recently at USM's Lewiston-Auburn College to discuss plans
and strategies for the upcoming school year. College for ME
* Androscoggin is a collaboration among leaders from higher
education, K-adult education, business, and economic development
who are committed to identifying and addressing barriers that
prevent area residents from pursuing or achieving their higher
education goals. Their aim is to double the number of college-educated
citizens in Androscoggin County over the next decade, and
thus transform the workforce and economic development of our
region.
The Steering Committee believes this mission to be imperative,
given the county's acute need for a college-educated workforce.
According to the 2000 Census, only 16% of working-age adults
in Androscoggin County have at least a bachelor's degree (as
compared to 25% in Maine and 24% in New England); likewise,
only 23% of working-age adults have at least an associate's
degree (compared to the New England average of 42% and 33%
in Maine). Lower educational attainment correlates with lower
per-capita income, lower median household income, and slightly
higher household poverty rates than in the State as a whole.
Taken together, these figures have catalyzed the Steering
Committee to seek action ideas to help achieve their vision.
