AUBURN – Five area schools in the Central Maine Community College region were honored recently for their participation in the Early College for ME program since its inception five years ago.

Early College for ME is a college transition program that helps students prepare for, pay for and succeed in the Maine Community College System.

Launched in 2002, the program is aimed at students who are undecided about college even though they have the academic potential. It offers pre-college testing and advising, early college courses during the senior year and help with college admissions and financial aid.

Currently offered in 74 schools, Early College for ME will serve 1,500 high school and community college students this year. Of the students completing their first or second year of college in June 2006, 69 percent have been successful; still enrolled, graduated or transferred to a four-year college.

Schools honored were Lewiston Regional Technical Center, Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, Edward Little High School and Lewiston High School.

More information about the program is available on the Web site at www.earlycollege.me.edu.