Sen. Duson introduces bill to support first-generation college students, restore funding to Upward Bound program in rural Maine
AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, January 21, Senate Assistant Majority Leader Jill Duson, D-Portland, introduced a bill to provide one-time funds for the University of Maine System to reinstate academic support and college and career preparation services to students in rural Maine following federal cuts from the U.S. Department of Education. LD 2147 was the subject of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs.
“This bill importantly reaffirms Maine’s commitment to equity and opportunity by restoring programming that equips low-income and first-generation students with trusted mentors, peers and role models to support their educational journeys,” said Sen. Duson. “As an Upward Bound graduate myself, I can personally attest to the life-changing opportunities this program makes accessible. I am proud to sponsor this investment in the lives of Maine students, as well as their families and their futures.”
LD 2147 would allocate $309,505 through the University of Maine System to schools in Androscoggin and Oxford counties that previously participated in the University of Maine at Farmington’s River Valley Upward Bound program.
“[Students] have attended robust and challenging academic summer programs, gone on college trips, received individualized academic advising, received support for their families, and gained the confidence and skills to allow them to be successful in higher education,” said Lynn Ploof-Davis of Wilton, former Director of TRIO Programs at the University of Maine at Farmington, in written testimony shared with the committee. “The research is clear. Every metric in education, from GPA, to high school graduation, to college enrollment and college graduation, is more likely with participation in Upward Bound (UB). UB students also tend to remain close to home which leads them to become active and contributing citizens in their communities.”
In the coming weeks, the Committee will schedule a work session for the bill. You can follow the progress of the bill by clicking here.
###