LEWISTON – “The Essentials of College Planning” will be the topic at two workshops to be held at the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn campus.

Presented by the Maine Educational Opportunity Center, the workshops will introduce people to educational opportunities in general and the center’s services in particular. Those interested may attend from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 31, or 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 26.

The interactive workshops touch on the four steps in the college process: admissions, financial aid, career planning and study skills.

The admission section reviews college options, the college search and admissions process and the application structure.

The fundamentals of financial aid, including the filing process and the applications, are covered in detail. Career options and counseling are introduced.

Effective transitions into college, college readiness and study skills are also discussed. Participant will receive the Post Secondary Guide to Education in Maine, the Student Guide and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Participants should bring their 2004 income taxes or copies of their W2 forms in order to complete the FAFSA.

Anyone interested in attending one of the sessions is asked to call MEOC at 1-800-281-3703 to register or for additional information. All services are offered free. The workshops will be held at USM/Lewiston-Auburn on Westminster Street. Light refreshments will be served.

The center is a federal education initiative established to promote access to post-secondary education for traditionally under-represented adult populations in the state. The center is committed to assist any adult wishing to re-enter a formal education setting. The majority of participants are the first generation in their families to go to college.