Mills announces bridge funding for key regional higher education, childcare center

While the Katahdin Higher Education Center develops a path to long-term financial sustainability without the University of Maine System, funding from Gov. Janet Mills will ensure the East Millinocket-based center can remain open in the short term. 

“For nearly four decades, the Katahdin Higher Education Center has helped working families in the Katahdin region pursue a degree, earn a credential, access training and access childcare for their children as they build a better future close to home,” Mills said in a statement.

Mills announced Monday that she would make a one-time donation of $100,000 from her contingency fund to the Katahdin Higher Education Center. 

The center offers college courses, academic advising, workforce training and other student support services; and is home to the Katahdin Regional Child Development Center, which provides childcare services for families in the area.

“During the closing of the paper mills, the center was a place for relief and support for mill workers and today it’s a place of opportunity for all,” said Lee Umphrey, president and CEO of Eastern Maine Development Corporation. “This support from Gov. Mills ensures that students at the Katahdin Higher Education Center will continue to provide local people an opportunity to learn, train and find jobs.”

The Maine Community College System has already begun work on long-term funding for the center. In a statement, President David Daigler said the system was grateful for the bridge funding. 

“The Katahdin Higher Education Center is an important part of the community and we look forward to working with our partners to develop a sustainable, long-plan to continue offering affordable, accessible workforce training and childcare in the community,” Daigler said. 

The center opened in 1987 as a joint initiative of Eastern Maine Community College and the University of Maine System to expand college classes in northern Penobscot County. 

But earlier this year, the University of Maine System announced it would end its partnership with the Katahdin Center, as part of an effort to reduce the system’s physical footprint. 

“The Katahdin Higher Education Center has become an important resource for education, workforce training and economic opportunity in our region,” said East Millinocket Selectman and former U.S. Congressman Mike Michaud. “Gov. Mills’ support will help ensure that these opportunities remain available while a long-term plan is developed.”