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The Maine Adult Education Association (MAEA) is a nonprofit organization representing adult education programs, professionals and volunteers in Maine since 1965.

Mission Statement

Maine Adult Education Association Mission Statement

 The Maine Adult Education Association is a professional organization that advocates for adult education locally, statewide, and nationally and supports its members in order to meet the educational needs of Maine's adults.

We do this by:

Advocacy for continuing educational opportunities for Maine adults in the 21st century.

Promotion of and encouragement for professional development among adult educators, including a statewide conference.

Advocacy for the development and improvement of the quality of adult and community education in Maine.

Fostering communication and networking among members.   

Providing a program of activity with local, state and national policymakers necessary to achieve the purposes of the organization.

Adopted  10/21/05

Adult Education in Maine

• Maine Adult Education is a State-wide System. 
• Available: 100 programs located throughout the state in more than over 85% of Maine's towns, cities, and unorganized territories; adult education programs are located in most areas with a high school. Most programs run year-round and combine both day and evening classes. 
• Affordable: The average course costs $40, many services are free. 
• Trusted and Familiar: Most programs have been in operation for more than 25 years, serving Maine communities and individuals. In FY 2009, there were nearly 119,000 enrollments in adult education. 
• Maine Adult Education has the flexibility to meet local needs.
• Course listings are searchable statewide on this site for the majority of Maine programs.
• Certificate Programs in such areas as Certified Nurse Aid, Office Skills, Computer Skills and Customer Service. 
• Academic credentialing with more than 2200 GEDs and 800 High School Diplomas awarded annually. 
• Worksite-based education. 
• Self-supporting Community Programming. 
• English as a Second Language. 
• Literacy Classes and Tutoring. 
• Family Literacy Programs combining adult and early childhood education, plus parenting. 
• In many areas, career and educational counseling is available.
• A nationally-recognized College Transitions program in all 16 counties supported by state and local funds.
• Partnerships with Maine Career Centers and other agencies. 
• Distance Learning and Computer Access.

Funding for Maine Adult Education

• Funds for adult education in Maine come from state subsidy on local expenditures, local tax dollars, federal funding for literacy and some vocational programs, and tuition and fees paid by individuals, businesses and agencies for community, workplace and vocational education. The bang for the buck in adult education is great; individuals and families are changed, our workforce is enhanced, and our communities strengthened.