U.S. Senator Susan Collins Visits Eastern Maine Community College

Bangor, ME - U.S. Senator Susan Collins visited Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) today to meet with students, faculty, and College leadership. While on campus, Senator Collins toured the Fine Woodworking and Cabinet Making Shop and saw student-crafted pieces first-hand.

“Eastern Maine Community College is offering students in Bangor a remarkable opportunity to develop the skills and strong academic foundation necessary for a bright future. Under the leadership of President Lawrence Barrett, the high level of engagement between students and faculty at EMCC has increased graduation rates and student retention,” said Senator Collins. “Ensuring access to higher education for students in Maine and across our nation must remain a priority."

Senator Collins met with a group of students that are former employees of the Bucksport Verso mill. These students have the opportunity to learn a new skill at EMCC because of funds available through the Federal Trade Adjustment Assistance Program.

Senator Collins is known as a tireless advocate for education and has secured critical federal funding for special research projects and equipment for Maine’s Community Colleges. Today, she serves on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

In addition, Senator Collins has been a longtime proponent for Pell Grants and has consistently supported efforts to help make higher education more accessible. In fact, one of the first bills Senator Collins introduced when she joined the Senate was the College Affordability and Access Act.

Prior to serving in the Senate, Senator Collins worked at Husson University in Bangor and saw first-hand the impact Pell Grants had for many students and their families.