Students in the Bridge Academy Maine program earn useful college credits early and gain beneficial career experience

During the next several weeks, the Bridge Academy Maine program will be sharing stories about new initiatives in its program, and more importantly, graduates’ success stories of the Bridge Academy program from around the state. The feedback from students after they have started college or their careers is always encouraging. Opportunities have been created by their commitment to their futures, their decision to get earn useful college credits early, the experience they gained through career and technical education, and a tour or activity during their Summer Academies.

For example, stories like Devin Grindle’s – a graduate of Ellsworth High School and Hancock County Technical Center in 2019. Devin chose to continue his pathway to a Law Enforcement career at Thomas College. When he met his advisor at the start of the fall 2019 semester, Devin was excited to share with us, “I sat in the room and watched the Registrar cross off classes left and right. Most students come in with five to eight credits, I ended high school with 31 credits.”

This is a common story for graduates of the Bridge Academy Maine program. Students often begin their “first-year” of college a semester or even a year ahead. In some recent cases, a few of the Bridge Academy’s graduates have been ready to earn their Associate’s degree at the same time as their high school diploma. Yet, as we all know, it is not just about the credits.

These students leave prepared for their next step, usually at a college or university within the state and ready to contribute to the workforce. The Maine State Chamber and Bridge Academy Maine are excited to share these stories with you going forward. Among them, we will also be sharing information regarding new partnerships and initiatives around Maine, including direct pathways to high-paying jobs with employers desperate to fill their open positions. We are happy to be a part of the effort to develop the next generation of essential workers!

To learn more about the Bridge Academy Maine program, please visit their website or Facebook page.