New Spring Ahead program continues to grow as students visit SMCC South Portland campus for spring orientation

Over sixty Maine high school students visited Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) on Tuesday, January 7, for orientation to the 2025 Spring Ahead program, a Maine Community College System (MCCS) early college initiative.

The Spring Ahead program is designed for high school students who want to get a head start on preparing for post-high school opportunities. Students in the program complete their high school education while enrolled in college-level courses at SMCC, earning college credit. They receive guidance from a dedicated college coach and peer mentor throughout the year. The program is tuition-free, with a book allowance provided.

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Since its inception in 2019 with 13 Deering High School students, the Spring Ahead program has grown to 65 students from 13 high schools.

The program has seen significant success, with 90% of the 2024 Spring Ahead class continuing their education after high school and an overall success rate of 85% since the program began.

"We are thrilled to welcome such a large and dynamic group of students to SMCC for the Spring Ahead program this year," said SMCC President Kristen Miller while greeting students. "We're excited to support you as you start your college journey, and you are now a member of the SeaWolves family. Our team is here to help you every step of the way."

Nearly 50% of Spring Ahead students continue their studies at SMCC, while others go on to attend universities like the University of Southern Maine, University of New England, University of Maine at Orono, University of Massachusetts Boston, and Endicott College, among others.

"We are really excited about this year's incoming class of Spring Ahead students. This is a great opportunity for high school seniors to get a jump start on their college career as college students in classes on campus," said SMCC Spring Ahead Coach Pat Haviland. "We support every student throughout their journey to ensure success."

A critical component of the program is ensuring that each student feels like a part of the SMCC community. "We provide a meal allowance for students to dine on campus and give them access to various facilities, including the HUB Gym, library, and athletic centers. Additionally, we integrate Spring Ahead students into regular college classes, which helps them connect with the broader SMCC community," Haviland added.

To participate in the Spring Ahead program, high school students must meet all high school and college requirements and receive the recommendation of their high school. Students from Bonny Eagle, The Learning Center at Bonny Eagle, Brunswick, Cape Elizabeth, Deering, Freeport, Greely, Kennebunk, Mt. Ararat, Scarborough, South Portland, Yarmouth, and Portland are currently enrolled.

Students in the program don't have to give up their extracurricular activities to join. They get to experience college while still participating in high school life. It's a great opportunity that can make the transition to college a lot smoother.

Spring Ahead students, along with any high school graduates from the years 2022-2025, can continue their education at SMCC tuition-free through Maine's Free College initiative.

The Spring Ahead program is part of SMCC's broader early college offerings that allow high school students to earn college credit before graduation. For more information on these programs, visit www.smccME.edu/earlycollege.

High schools or students interested in learning more about the Spring Ahead program or other early college opportunities at SMCC can contact Chris Ike, SMCC Early College Director, at [email protected] or (207) 741-5861, or Patrick Haviland, Early College Office Spring Ahead Success Coach, at [email protected] or (207) 741-5622.