A new skill,
around Portland.
Find afterschool programs, school assistance, youth activities, libraries, adult education and college pathways in or around Portland.
Find learning opportunities near you
Education resources around Portland
Local listings and statewide options. Contact the organization before visiting.
No local matches here yet.
This doesn’t mean help isn’t available. Try all support, explore another town, or use the help below.
Find adult education programs-
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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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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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 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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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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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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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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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.
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Ask about daytime, evening, and remote options, along with technology or accessibility support.
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Confirm tuition, testing, books, and supplies. Ask which financial aid or assistance options are currently available.