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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 13 M A R C H 6 , 2 0 1 7 F O C U S W E S T E R N M A I N E college. Amid its evolution into a fully fl edged liberal arts school and still the only four-year college in west- ern Maine, that mission has grown. Hands-on learning through intern- ships, volunteerism, service learning and research remains a cornerstone of the curriculum, giving students a running start in their future careers and Maine employers a pool of young home-grown talent. "We have a commitment to our students to prepare them and pro- vide opportunities so they can go from curriculum to career," says UMF President Kathryn A. (Kate) Foster. "If your aspiration is to come out of school prepared for a job, in terms of knowledge, experience and skills, that's a commitment that Farmington makes. at's something that's really important to us." It's a lot to take on for a col- lege with less name recognition and fi nancial might than pricier private peers Bowdoin, Bates and Colby. at's partly due to UMF's location in a county, Franklin, with higher unemployment and poverty rates than the state average. Some 97% of UMF students receive fi nancial aid, which may include on-campus jobs, and all get free season passes to the nearby Titcomb Mountain ski resort. But the focus is on academics and experiential learning, be it through student teaching, internships, volunteer work and off -campus research projects. e fact that many students come from modest backgrounds makes it more important to gain experience while earning a degree, giving graduates an edge in fi nding not just a well-paying job but also a fulfi lling career. e vast majority of internships at small businesses and community organiza- tions are funded through the UMF's Partnership for Civic Advancement, launched in 2011 with a $45,000 grant from sustaining partner Bangor Savings Bank and now also supported by other foundations and donors. From teacher training to liberal arts When it opened in 1864, Farmington State Normal School was Maine's fi rst institute of public higher learn- ing. Now part of the seven-school University of Maine system, it off ers over 30 majors spanning the tradi- tional (English, math, history) to the modern (health information systems, actuarial science, aging studies, added in 2011, 2013 and 2016, respectively) and nearly 40 minors. e most popu- lar majors include teacher education psychology, creative writing, rehabili- tation services and community health education. ere are also four pre- professional studies programs and a grad school program in education. Toll-free 1-866-HAMMOND www.hammondlumber.com SWITCH FOR Free! PESTS STILL BUGGING YOU? It 's time for a redo. Residential | Commerical | Wildlife *SOME RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY EVERY SEASON BRINGS A NEW THREAT FROM PESTS. BE PREPARED. 888-997-3121 www.modernpest.com Do you own a business or commercial property? If you pay for pest control, and your pest issue has not been resolved, or you're dissatisfied with your current provider, it's time for a redo. 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C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » We have a commitment to our students to prepare We have a commitment to our students to prepare We have a commitment to our students to prepare We have a commitment to our students to prepare We have a commitment to our students to prepare We have a commitment to our students to prepare We have a commitment to our students to prepare We have a commitment to our students to prepare We have a commitment to our students to prepare We have a commitment to our students to prepare We have a commitment to our students to prepare We have a commitment to our students to prepare We have a commitment to our students to prepare them and provide opportunities so they can go from them and provide opportunities so they can go from them and provide opportunities so they can go from them and provide opportunities so they can go from them and provide opportunities so they can go from them and provide opportunities so they can go from them and provide opportunities so they can go from them and provide opportunities so they can go from them and provide opportunities so they can go from them and provide opportunities so they can go from them and provide opportunities so they can go from them and provide opportunities so they can go from them and provide opportunities so they can go from curriculum to career. — Kathryn A. (Kate) Foster UMF President UMaine Farmington 246 Main St., Farmington University of Maine at Farmington is one of seven UMaine cam- puses. It is a public liberal arts college with programs in teacher education, human services and arts and sciences. Enrollment (fall 2016): 2,000 students Total alumni: 17,000 Class size: 17 students (average); 13-to-1 student-faculty ratio Majors: Over 30 majors, nearly 40 minors, plus self-designed majors Certificate programs: Three Pre-professional studies programs: Four Annual cost: $18,792 estimated 2017–18 in-state tuition, fees, room and board Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education Contact: www.umf.umaine.edu 778-7050