Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 11 J U LY 2 4 , 2 0 2 3 Machias Savings Bank donated $25,000 to Mano en Mano, a non- profit in Milbridge that works to empower farmworkers statewide and immigrants in Downeast, to fund the expansion of its newest program, Rayitos de Sol Bilingual Childcare. KidsPeace Maine, a nonprofit in Ells- worth dedicated to serving the behav- ioral and mental health needs of children, families and communities, announced that it raised $10,000 in monetary and in-kind donations at its 3rd annual Charity Golf Scramble, pre- sented by MainelyPest. The Maine Community Foundation in Ellsworth said its Daniel Cardillo Charitable Fund awarded a total of $20,800 to 11 students to support artistic, academic, athletic or vocational pursuits outside the traditional school environment. AT VIP, WE'RE CAR FOLKS. Take a walk around our shops and you'll see it; our ASE Certified Automotive Professionals take enormous pride in knowing their cars—inside and out. More importantly, we understand what your car means to you. As northern New England's leader in all things tires and service, we believe in being here when you need us, treating you with respect, and geing the job done right. You deserve that. FLEET SERVICES Are you a business owner? VIP is more than a place for tires and service – we're your partner. We understand downtime costs money. Our ASE and TIA Certified experts will make sure that every vehicle you and your customers depend on is ready to roll – whenever you need it. We're open 7 days a week, and with our convenient hours and easy access to parts, we get it done fast – from tires to timing belts and everything in between. Visit vipauto.com/fleet for more information. vipauto.com B R I E F Maine extends free community college incentive B y R e n e e C o r d e s T uition-free community college in Maine was extended to two more graduating high school classes under the state budget signed into law July 11 by Gov. Janet Mills. The budget sets aside $15 million to allow students graduating from high school or its equivalent in 2024 and 2025 to attend any Maine community college without pay- ing any tuition or mandatory fees, saving them more than $3,800 a year out of pocket. "Extending free college to the Classes of 2024 and 2025 tells today's high school students that the State of Maine believes in them and is willing to invest in them and their future," said David Daigler, president of the Maine Community College System. "The scholarship means they won't have to work multiple jobs while they study or take just one or two classes at a time because they can't afford more," he added. "It's a bold move that benefits workers, employers and the entire state." Maine launched the program in April 2022 with a one-time state investment of $20 million, benefiting the pandemic-era high school graduates from 2020-23. In the first year, 6,400 students attended community college tuition-free. Maine's seven community colleges serve more than 25,000 people a year, through two-year associate degree and one-year certificate programs, short-term workforce training, early college programs, advanced certificates and other learning opportunities. Students from Maine can save up to $3,800 a year by attending an in-state community college, thanks to a state program extended recently. F I L E P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F C E N T R A L M A I N E C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E Central Maine Community College in Auburn is part of the Maine Community College System. N O T E W O R T H Y M I D C O A S T & D O W N E A S T M I D C O A S T & D O W N E A S T

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