Oh, the oppression, the pain, the forced activity for no gain. Oh, the humanity.

Already, we can hear the complaints about Poland teens who will be forced – forced – to apply to college as a graduation requirement. The new policy at Poland Regional High School will require students to submit an application to at least one college, university or trade school and will provide financial assistance with the associated fees. In addition, the school will provide a SAT preparatory class. The money for the program comes from a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant.

Students already planning to attend college will get structured help with the process and entrance essays. Others will get a tutorial in paperwork while also completing a worthwhile writing assignment. Hopefully, for a few, a successful application will open up new doors of possibilities.

In many households, it’s understood that children will go to college. But for others, higher education is never really considered. According to the National Center for Education Studies, almost 21 percent of parents don’t think their children will continue education beyond high school. In Maine, only 68 percent of students say they will go to college.

Perhaps these students lack confidence, or believe they are priced out of more school. A little taste of success could spark an appetite for more and provide the introduction to the affordable education opportunities that exist.

Post-secondary education is the very best predictor of economic success today. Sure, students have other choices, including the military or family business. But there is no harm in testing university waters with an application.

Is this just one more thing for busy high school seniors to worry about? You bet. But they should be worrying about it already.
Meeting a need


St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center is doing a good thing for Lewiston and its school-age population.

The hospital is taking over the clinics at both Lewiston High School and Middle School. The programs were slated for deep cuts or elimination in the spring by Central Maine Medical Center, which pointed to the high costs of the services.

The school-based wellness centers cater to the city’s poorest students, treating about 600 teenagers last year. Services include vaccinations, physicals, treatment for basic illnesses and referrals for other care. The clinics have a goal of adding mental health services during the winter. A nurse practitioner will split her time between the high school and middle school. Students are treated regardless of their ability to pay.

Providing medical intervention at school is one of the surest ways to deliver care to at-risk populations. The in-school program is worth saving, and St. Mary’s deserves credit for reviving it in Lewiston.
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