For the first time since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, enrollment at York County Community College (YCCC) has grown this fall in its two-year degree or one-year certificate programs. The total student headcount is up 18%, and the new student headcount is up 21% over the fall of 2021.  These numbers will likely continue to fluctuate as the full semester continues and YCCC’s 7-week Fall Term II begins on Oct 24^th.

Several factors have helped to grow enrollment including the launch of the Free College Scholarship Program which was generously funded as a one-time $20 million allocation for the 2022 supplemental budget, passed by the State of Maine Legislature and signed by Governor Janet Mills. 

Another factor that has contributed to the increased enrollment is the launch of two new programs – Nursing and Electrical Technology which both launched this fall. Applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2023 cohorts. 

“Our growth results from YCCC’s commitment to reimagining higher education to better meet students’ and industry needs and the State of Maine’s commitment to educating and training a skilled workforce through the Free College Initiative.” said YCCC President – Dr. Michael Fischer. “Over the past few years, YCCC has worked tirelessly to ensure we offer credentials that offer value and economic mobility to our students. We have achieved this by intentionally aligning our offerings with business and industry needs, creating flexible class schedules, and offering quality education at an affordable cost.”

Additionally, YCCC has seen a dramatic 52% growth in its short-term workforce trainings over the last year. Thanks to the generous funding of the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce and the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, YCCC has been able to deliver trainings including customized trainings for industry partners, as well as trainings in Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, CNC Machining, Dental Assisting, and Emergency Medical Technician training to name a few.

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