LEWISTON – Bates College will host the third annual College for ME – Androscoggin awards luncheon on Friday, Dec. 5.

During the free luncheon at Chase Hall, local individuals will explain how they are using education to better their lives.

College for ME-Androscoggin’s goal is to double the number of residents in Androscoggin County who hold college degrees by 2015.

As part of this event, awards will be presented to those who demonstrate excellence in higher education practices. The corporate leader award will be given to an employer or business that encourages higher education attainment by employees. The student advocate award will go to someone working on behalf of students. (The recipient is not necessarily an educator.) The student award recognizes the accomplishments of students, either currently enrolled or graduated within the past year.

Those interested in attending should RSVP by Nov. 28 by visiting www.collegeformeandroscoggin.org or call 753-6556.