Education resources for women include FAFSA-based federal aid (Pell Grants up to ~$7,000/year), the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Title IX protections against sex discrimination on campus, and dedicated single-mother scholarships through the Jeannette Rankin Foundation, Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards, and Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation. Community colleges offer low-cost two-year degrees and trade certificates, often with CCAMPIS-grant subsidized on-campus childcare. AAUW funds career development grants and fellowships for women. GED and HiSET programs run through state adult education offices, usually free. This directory covers FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education, and women's scholarships.
Maine district courts handle most family matters; superior courts handle more complex cases and appeals. The Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery operates under DHHS. Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, and Auburn are the largest cities. Pine Tree Legal Assistance and the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence support women, with strong online self-help resources for custody and support.
The UMaine System administrative office at 15 Estabrooke Dr in Orono coordinates seven public universities — UMaine Orono, USM, UMaine Augusta, Farmington, Fort Kent, Machias, and Presque Isle. Call 207-581-1110 for cross-university transfer counseling and the Maine State Grant program serving low-income students.
207-581-1110 · 15 Estabrooke Dr, Orono, ME 04469 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
UMaine's flagship campus at 168 College Ave in Orono enrolls roughly 11,000 students with strong programs in nursing, engineering, marine sciences, and education. The Adult Student Initiative supports women returning to school after a break. Call 207-581-1110 for admissions counseling and FAFSA help.
207-581-1110 · 168 College Ave, Orono, ME 04469 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
USM's Portland campus at 96 Falmouth St serves working adult learners with evening and online programs in nursing, social work, business, and the Muskie School of Public Service. Call 207-780-4141 for admissions; ask about the Lewiston-Auburn campus if that is more convenient.
207-780-4141 · 96 Falmouth St, Portland, ME 04103 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
SMCC's main campus at 2 Fort Rd in South Portland — a stunning oceanfront site at the entrance to Portland Harbor — offers two-year degrees and certificates in nursing, business, IT, and the trades. Call 207-741-5500; the Maine Community College System Free College program covers tuition for many recent high-school graduates.
207-741-5500 · 2 Fort Rd, South Portland, ME 04106 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
EMCC at 354 Hogan Rd in Bangor offers career programs in nursing, automotive, welding, and IT serving Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock, and Washington counties. Call 207-974-4600; many credentials transfer toward a UMaine bachelor's, and the Free College program covers tuition for eligible students.
207-974-4600 · 354 Hogan Rd, Bangor, ME 04401 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
KVCC at 92 Western Ave in Fairfield serves central Maine with strong allied-health programs (nursing, surgical technology, sustainable agriculture) and the Hinckley campus farm site. Call 207-453-5000; the Alfond Scholarship and Free College program reduce out-of-pocket costs for many enrollees.
207-453-5000 · 92 Western Ave, Fairfield, ME 04937 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
FAFSA at studentaid.gov is the federal application that unlocks Pell Grants, federal student loans, and the Maine State Grant administered by FAME. Call 800-433-3243 for federal FAFSA help; the form takes about 30 minutes for most filers.
800-433-3243 · Online Service · Online 24/7 · Visit Website
FAME (Finance Authority of Maine) administers the Maine State Grant — a need-based grant of up to ,500 per year for low-income Maine residents attending eligible Maine colleges. Apply by completing the FAFSA. Call 207-620-3548 for status questions and information about the Alfond Scholarship for Maine babies.
207-620-3548 · Augusta, ME · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
Federal student aid portal where Maine students apply for Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study. The FAFSA must be filed annually; submitting early (October opening) maximizes Maine State Grant funds, which are awarded on a first-come basis until depleted.
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Need-based grant of up to $7,395/year (2024-25) for undergraduates from low-income households. The maximum Pell plus Maine State Grant plus Alfond Scholarship can fully cover tuition at Maine Community College System schools for many qualifying women.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
American Association of University Women administers selective national fellowships and grants for women pursuing graduate study, career development, and community action. Maine AAUW branches also award local scholarships; check the umbrella organization to find branch contacts.
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P.E.O. operates six programs supporting women's education including the Educational Loan Fund, Scholar Awards, and Continuing Education Program. Maine has active P.E.O. chapters across the state that nominate local candidates for these national awards.
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Soroptimist's Live Your Dream Awards make cash grants to women who are primary financial support for their families and pursuing education. Maine clubs in Portland, Augusta, and Aroostook County nominate local recipients each fall — apply through the club closest to you.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Scholarships specifically for low-income women age 35+ pursuing technical, vocational, or undergraduate degrees — a meaningful resource for Maine mothers returning to school after working, raising children, or leaving an abusive relationship. Renewable awards averaging ,000+ per year.
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Named for the late Congresswoman Patsy Mink, the foundation awards education grants to low-income mothers (including Maine residents) pursuing post-secondary education while raising minor children. Annual cycle with a competitive application.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Free national scholarship search engine that filters by Maine residency, women-only awards, single-mother awards, and field of study. Useful for stacking smaller scholarships on top of Pell and Maine State Grant to close the remaining gap.
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Free college planning, SAT registration, and scholarship search from the College Board. Maine high schools partner with BigFuture for school-counselor tools and free SAT-day testing in 11th grade for most public-school students.
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Khan Academy's Official SAT Practice — built in partnership with the College Board — is the same prep tool Maine high schools recommend. Personalized practice based on PSAT or prior SAT scores; free and ad-free for all users.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website