This story was originally published by Maine Morning Star .

Growing up, Salem Carmichael’s family lived paycheck to paycheck, so she never considered college an option. She had always been interested in early childhood education, but didn’t think she’d be able to pursue a degree until she discovered that through the state program she could attend Eastern Maine Community College for free.

“If I didn’t go to community college for free, I wouldn’t be able to afford to go to any college,” she said.

“For a while there, it kind of saved me as a person, because I was living in my car for a little bit, but I still didn’t have to worry about college being free.”

Carmichael is now preparing to graduate after completing internships in daycares and classrooms and working at the Bangor YMCA.

See Full Page