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Find afterschool programs, school assistance, youth activities, libraries, adult education and college pathways in Maine.
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Find adult education programs-
Maine Adult Education
Statewide support
Statewide adult education system offering free or low-cost classes in HiSET/GED preparation, English language learning, college readiness, workforce training, and enrichment through local programs in nearly every community.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Varies by local program; most offer day and evening classes Mon-Fri
- Who this helps
- Maine residents age 17+ not enrolled in traditional high school. Academic programs are typically free.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Portland Adult Education
14 Locust Street, Portland, ME 04101
Maine's largest adult education program offers free HiSET preparation, ESL classes, college transition support, job skills training, and on-site HiSET testing.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Thu 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM; Fri 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Who this helps
- Adults age 17+ not enrolled in high school. Academic programs are free. All are welcome regardless of immigration status.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Maine State Library
242 State Street, Augusta, ME 04333
Free digital learning resources, online courses, eBooks, audiobooks, scholarly databases, and digital literacy training for all Maine residents. Online resources available 24/7.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Online resources: 24/7. In-person: by appointment (during renovation)
- Who this helps
- All Maine residents with a free library card. Online resources available 24/7.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Literacy Volunteers of Maine
142 High Street, Suite 526, Portland, ME 04101
Statewide network of 14 community-based affiliates providing free, confidential, one-on-one tutoring for adults who need help with reading, writing, math, and English language skills.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (statewide office); tutoring schedules vary
- Who this helps
- Any adult in Maine who wants to improve reading, writing, math, or English language skills. Free and confidential.
Confirm details with the organization.
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University of Maine at Augusta Adult Learner Programs
46 University Drive, Augusta, ME 04330
Maine's adult-friendly public university offering online and on-campus degree programs for working adults, including the ATLaS support program and adult degree completion scholarships.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM; online programs available 24/7
- Who this helps
- Open to all adult learners. Financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans available.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Maine Community College System
Statewide support
Seven community colleges offering affordable degree and certificate programs, workforce training, and a free tuition scholarship for Maine residents who graduated high school in 2023-2025.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (system office); college hours vary
- Who this helps
- Open to all. Free tuition: Maine residents who graduated HS or earned GED/HiSET in 2023-2025.
Confirm details with the organization.
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New Ventures Maine Career & Education Programs
Statewide support
Free classes and coaching to help adults explore career options, plan for education, develop job search skills, and make career transitions. Available online and at seven locations statewide.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; evening and weekend classes available
- Who this helps
- Open to all Maine residents at no cost. No income requirements or prior education level needed.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Maine Head Start & Early Head Start
Statewide support
Free early childhood education, health screenings, nutrition services, and family support for income-eligible children from birth to age 5 and pregnant women across Maine.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Vary by local program; most operate Mon-Fri during school hours
- Who this helps
- Children birth to age 5 and pregnant women. Priority for families at or below federal poverty guidelines. Auto-eligible if receiving TANF, SSI, or SNAP, or if child is in foster care or experiencing homelessness.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Bangor Adult and Community Education
121 York Street, Bangor, ME 04401
Provides free classes for high school completion, HiSET preparation, college readiness, literacy, math, digital skills, and ESL for adults in the Bangor area.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Fall and spring semesters; enroll at any time
- Who this helps
- Open to adults seeking educational advancement. Academic classes are free.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Lewiston Adult Education
145 Birch Street (Longley School), Lewiston, ME 04240
Free HiSET testing, ESL classes, and adult learning programs in the Lewiston-Auburn area. Computer-based testing center available.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Contact office for current schedule
- Who this helps
- Open to adults. All classes and tests are free.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Biddeford Adult Education
189 Alfred Street, 2nd Floor, Biddeford, ME 04005
Adult education center offering HiSET prep, ESL classes, healthcare training certificates, workforce skills programs, and enrichment courses in the Biddeford-Saco area.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Thu 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Fri 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Who this helps
- Open to adults. Academic programs are free; some workforce programs may have fees.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Literacy Volunteers of Bangor
Eastern Maine Community College, 33 Johnston Gym Drive, Bangor, ME 04401
Free one-on-one adult literacy and English language tutoring for greater Bangor area residents. Walk-ins welcome or by appointment.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Thu 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Who this helps
- Adults seeking literacy assistance in the greater Bangor area.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Literacy Volunteers of Androscoggin County
51 Westminster Street, Room 116, Lewiston, ME 04240
Free one-on-one tutoring in reading, writing, math, life skills, and English language learning for adults and families in Androscoggin County.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- By appointment (call or email to schedule)
- Who this helps
- Adults and families in Androscoggin County.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Midcoast Literacy
9 Park Street, Suite 1, Bath, ME 04530
Free literacy programs for adults in Sagadahoc, Lincoln, and northern Cumberland counties. Offers one-on-one tutoring, ESL instruction, workplace literacy classes, and family literacy sessions.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Contact for current schedule
- Who this helps
- Adults and children in Sagadahoc, Lincoln, and northern Cumberland counties.
Confirm details with the organization.
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LearningWorks
181 Brackett Street, Portland, ME 04102
Community education nonprofit providing free English language and literacy tutoring for immigrants and refugees, plus YouthBuild (ages 16-24) combining HiSET prep with construction skills training.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Contact for current schedule
- Who this helps
- Adults, youth ages 16-24, immigrants, and refugees in southern Maine.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services (MEIRS)
256 Bartlett Street, Lewiston, ME 04240
Immigrant-led organization providing ESL classes, naturalization/citizenship classes, immigration legal services, refugee resettlement, youth programs, and behavioral health services in Lewiston-Auburn.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Contact for current schedule
- Who this helps
- Immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in Maine, primarily Lewiston-Auburn area.
Confirm details with the organization.
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National Digital Equity Center
Statewide support
Free digital literacy classes for all Maine residents, including basic computer skills, internet safety, and an 'Aging Well with Technology' series. Also provides Digital Navigators for one-on-one help statewide.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Online classes available; contact for in-person schedule
- Who this helps
- Free to all Maine residents after completing a one-time enrollment form.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Literacy Volunteers of Waldo County (Waldo Reads)
39 Lions Way, Belfast, ME 04915
Free one-on-one tutoring for adults in reading, writing, math, computer use, and ESL. Sessions held at Belfast Free Library and Belfast Adult Education.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Sessions scheduled around learner availability
- Who this helps
- Adults ages 18 and older in Waldo County.
Confirm details with the organization.
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MSAD 1 Adult Education
Presque Isle, ME 04769
Free adult education programs including HiSET (GED) preparation, English language learning, college transition, and workforce training for adults in the Presque Isle area.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Thu; call for schedule
- Who this helps
- Adults 17+ who are not enrolled in high school. Maine residents. Free of charge.
Confirm details with the organization.
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RSU 29 Adult Education
Houlton, ME 04730
Free adult education programs including HiSET preparation, English language learning, and workforce readiness for adults in the Houlton area.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Thu; call for schedule
- Who this helps
- Adults 17+ who are not enrolled in high school. Maine residents. Free of charge.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Eastern Aroostook Adult Education
Caribou, ME 04736
Free adult education programs including HiSET preparation, English language learning, and career training for adults in the Caribou area.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Thu; call for schedule
- Who this helps
- Adults 17+ who are not enrolled in high school. Maine residents. Free of charge.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Valley Unified Continuing Education
84 Pleasant St, Fort Kent, ME 04743
Free adult education and continuing education programs for adults in the St. John Valley. Offers HiSET preparation, English language learning, workforce training, and enrichment classes.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Thu; call for schedule
- Who this helps
- Adults 17+ who are not enrolled in high school. Maine residents. Academic programs are free; enrichment classes may have a fee.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Piscataquis Valley Adult Education
8 Moosehead Lane Suite 101, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426
Adult education center offering HiSET diploma prep, CNA certification, CDL training, and other career-focused courses for Piscataquis County residents.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri; class schedules vary
- Who this helps
- Adults 17 and older who are not enrolled in a traditional high school. Some programs may have additional requirements or fees.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Washington County Community College
One College Dr, Calais, ME 04619
Community college offering associate degrees, certificate programs, workforce training, and HiSET (high school equivalency) testing. Serves Washington County with affordable higher education and career preparation.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30PM
- Who this helps
- Open enrollment. Financial aid available for eligible students. HiSET testing open to adults 18+.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Literacy Volunteers of Washington County
Machias, ME 04654
Volunteer-based organization providing free adult literacy tutoring, English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, and citizenship preparation classes throughout Washington County.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- By appointment
- Who this helps
- Adults in Washington County seeking to improve literacy skills, learn English, or prepare for citizenship. All services are free.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Mid-Maine Regional Adult Community Education
1 Brooklyn Avenue, Waterville, ME 04901
Public adult education center serving the greater Waterville area. Free HiSET prep, adult secondary diploma, ESOL, literacy education, and College Transitions. Year-round enrollment with on-site testing at no cost.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon 12-4 PM; Tue-Thu 8 AM - 4 PM; Fri by appointment
- Who this helps
- Adults in the greater Waterville area seeking education or workforce training. All academic programs are free.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Augusta Adult and Community Education
22 Armory Street, Augusta, ME 04330
Adult education program offering HiSET prep, high school completion, workforce training, enrichment courses, and College Transitions programming for Augusta area residents.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Monday - Friday, call for schedule
- Who this helps
- Adults in the Augusta area. Academic programs are free.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Sanford Community Adult Education
668 Main Street, Sanford, ME 04073
Comprehensive adult education program offering HiSET prep, high school diploma, workforce development, college transitions, ESOL classes, and enrichment courses for the Sanford community.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Monday - Friday, call for schedule
- Who this helps
- Adults in the Sanford area. Academic programs are free.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Ellsworth Adult and Community Education
11 Avery Lane, Ellsworth, ME 04605
RSU 24 adult education program providing HiSET prep, high school completion, College Transitions, workforce training, and enrichment classes for the Ellsworth and Downeast area.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Monday - Friday, call for schedule
- Who this helps
- Adults in the Ellsworth and Downeast area. Academic programs are free.
Confirm details with the organization.
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RSU 54 Adult and Community Education
61 Academy Circle, Skowhegan, ME 04976
Adult education program serving the Skowhegan region with HiSET prep, high school completion, workforce development, enrichment courses, and college readiness programs.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Monday - Friday, call for schedule
- Who this helps
- Adults in the Skowhegan region. Academic programs are free.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Maine Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC)
5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 314, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469
Federal TRIO program helping adults access post-secondary education. Free advising on college admissions, financial aid, career planning, and application assistance. Serves adults statewide through regional advisors.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Monday - Friday, call for appointment
- Who this helps
- Adults who are first-generation college students or meet income guidelines. Services are free.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Wayfinder Schools
79 Washington Street, Camden, ME 04843
Tuition-free alternative high school for Maine youth who need a second chance at graduation. Includes the Passages program for pregnant and parenting teens statewide.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
- Who this helps
- Maine teens and young adults seeking a high school diploma, including pregnant and parenting youth statewide.
Confirm details with the organization.
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EdGE Afterschool Programs
Participating Washington County elementary schools
Free school-year afterschool activities, homework support, snacks and transportation at participating Washington County elementary schools.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- School-year schedules vary by participating school.
- Who this helps
- Students at participating elementary schools. Contact EdGE to check your child’s school and current enrollment.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Mano en Mano Migrant Education
4 Maple Street, Milbridge, ME 04658
School navigation, education planning and enrichment for eligible students in mobile agricultural and aquaculture families across Maine.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Contact the program to arrange support.
- Who this helps
- A program coordinator determines eligibility based on the student’s age, qualifying work and moves. Ask for a screening rather than assuming a recent move qualifies.
Confirm details with the organization.
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WCCC On Course for College
Statewide support
Eligible Maine high-school and homeschool students can take up to 12 college credits a year with tuition and fees waived. Books and supplies are extra.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Course schedules and registration deadlines vary.
- Who this helps
- Eligible public high-school and homeschool students. School approval, prerequisites and space requirements apply.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Down East Family YMCA Youth Programs
Ellsworth, Maine; confirm the location for your program
All Hancock County sixth graders can receive a free YMCA membership. Other memberships and youth programs have their own fees and assistance options.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Hours and schedules vary by program.
- Who this helps
- Free sixth-grade membership is for Hancock County students. Ask staff about other membership assistance.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Mountain View School Afterschool
Mountain View School, Sullivan, Maine
Tutoring and afterschool activities at Mountain View School, which serves Franklin, Sullivan and Sorrento.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Ask the school for the current afterschool schedule.
- Who this helps
- Mountain View students; confirm eligible grades, registration, costs and transportation with the school.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Hancock County 4-H
Hancock County; activity locations vary
Hands-on projects and youth development for ages 5–18, including science, agriculture, healthy living and community involvement.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Club and activity schedules vary.
- Who this helps
- Youth ages 5–18. Ask about a current club or program that fits your child’s age and interests.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Ellsworth Public Library — Kids & Families
Ellsworth, Maine
Free library events for children and families. Use the current calendar to find dates, age groups and registration details.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Check the current calendar and library hours.
- Who this helps
- Event age groups and registration vary. Ask the library about borrowing requirements.
Confirm details with the organization.
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Franklin Library
Franklin, Hancock County, Maine
Local reading and learning resources in Franklin, Hancock County. Contact the library about current children’s activities.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Check the library’s current hours before visiting.
- Who this helps
- Ask the library about borrowing and activity participation.
Confirm details with the organization.
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School Help During Housing Instability
Statewide support
School enrollment and continuity support for eligible PreK–12 students whose housing is unstable. Start with the school’s McKinney–Vento liaison.
Hours & eligibility
- Listed hours
- Contact your school liaison; state program questions use the listed phone.
- Who this helps
- Ask the liaison about eligibility when staying in a shelter, motel, temporary shared housing or another unstable living arrangement.
Confirm details with the organization.
Listings may include nearby communities. Contact the organization to confirm its current location, hours, and who it serves.
Build a plan around your life.
The first conversation can be about your goals and the time you have.
Choose the next milestone
Explain what you or your child need: school support, activities, stronger reading skills, a credential or college preparation.
Check schedule and format
Ask about daytime, evening, and remote options, along with technology or accessibility support.
Ask about the full cost
Confirm tuition, testing, books, and supplies. Ask which financial aid or assistance options are currently available.