Congressional Democrats and Republicans are urging Education Secretary Linda McMahon to preserve funding for TRIO programs, which provide mentorship for first generation, low income students and those with disabilities. In Maine, they serve more than 7,500 students. There's a concern that the loss of the programming will cause some to drop out.

TRIO funding is used to support mentorship programs that steer students into higher education beginning in middle school. At Southern Maine Community College, funding allows staff to be a consistent resource for them through graduation.

Katherine Lualdi, SMCC's director of TRIO Student Support Services, said the program helps students access higher education.

"This is a program that works from an economic point of view, from a human point of view

See Full Page