When Maria Nielsen emerged from a difficult relationship, she knew that was the time for a new lease on life. “I wasn’t allowed to go to college; once I got out (of the relationship) I wanted to even more for myself and children.”

Through Lewiston Adult Education, Nielsen learned about the College Transitions Program. Today, she aspires to become a social worker and is a current full-time student at Central Maine Community College. “I have five children and it had been 17 years since I was in school. Through the College Transitions Program, I realized I could do it,” says Nielsen.

College Transitions is an initiative of the Compact for Higher Education and the Maine Department of Education. Programs are designed to ensure that adults who are committed to earning a college degree, but have not completed high school or are academically under prepared for college work, get the support they need to earn high school diplomas and succeed in college.

“We work on identifying career goals and help set a course for making it a reality,” says Larinda Meade, coordinator of College Transitions. “Realizing everyone has different goals and objectives, we do not take a cookie cutter approach. Each program is different, designed for the individual.”

Nielsen couldn’t agree more. “The staff was compassionate and helpful. They were always positive, never letting me say ‘I can’t do it.’ I would recommend the College Transitions for everyone.”

According to Meade, the benefit of a college education goes beyond just the size of a paycheck. She believes college graduates also have a positive impact on the community in which they live. “Statistics also show that college graduates are more likely to do volunteer work, more likely to serve on civic boards and to vote.”

Nielsen is just one example of the hundreds of Mainers who are proactive and taking steps to make a better life for themselves and their family. Statistics show that her decision to go back to school should pay dividends. According to the Web site www.postsecondary.com, Americans with high school diplomas earn an average of about $29,000 annually. Those with bachelor’s degrees earn an average of about $47,000. Over the course of the average work life, a person with a bachelor’s degree will earn $800,000 more than a person with only a high school diploma.

Assistance comes in all forms, from identifying academic deficiencies (and working to overcome them), skills assessment, to filling out applications and financial aid forms to resume work. Meade says the role of College Transitions counselors does not end when a student enters college. “We are here for as long as they need us. There have been instances where we have worked very closely with students and their college advisors right through graduation.”

College Transitions programs are offered in all 16 counties in Maine, at more than 40 Adult Education locations across the state. In the Lewiston-Auburn area, call Lewiston Adult Education at 795-4141, in Oxford-Buckfield call 743-8842. On the Web, visit www.maineadulted.org.