Tuition-free college courses available to high school students at University College at South Paris

SOUTH PARIS — High school students looking for a first taste of college can take courses tuition free through the University of Maine System High School Aspirations Program, which provides eligible Maine high school students with an opportunity to receive dual credit — academic credit toward a high school diploma as well as an associate or baccalaureate-level degree.

Courses are available locally through University College at South Paris, 232 Main St., as well as University College sites throughout the state.
The program is designed “to raise the educational aspirations of Maine students,” according to a news release from University College. The university waives half the tuition for up to six credits per semester and the state Department of Education waives the other half per semester.

To qualify for the program a student must be a high school junior or senior; be a Maine resident; have at least a B grade point average, or, if not, a written recommendation from a high school guidance counselor; have permission from a high school guidance counselor or adult education program; if under 18, have the consent of a parent or guardian; meet course prerequisites; provide recent SAT scores or take the University Accuplacer test.

Students may enroll in a maximum of two courses or six credits per semester. Students may not take more than a total of four courses over the summer, fall and spring semesters. Students may take courses through on-site instruction, interactive television courses, or courses offered online.
Developmental/non-college level courses are excluded. Students must be enrolled in a public high school or be home-schooled and meet certain general and academic requirements. Completed applications will be processed in the order received.

University College has a system-wide mission to provide centralized services to students and faculty engaged in online and distance programs offered by the campuses of the University of Maine System. University College operates Centers at Brunswick, East Millinocket, Ellsworth, Houlton, South Paris, Rockland, Mexico and Saco, which allows students access to more than 100 certificate and degree programs from the University of Maine System. Students access the resources of campuses while studying at their local center.

For more information, go to learn.maine.edu/southparis or call 743-9322.