LEWISTON – Members of the College for ME – Androscoggin Steering Committee met recently at USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College to discuss plans and strategies for the upcoming school year.

College for ME – Androscoggin is a collaboration among leaders from higher education, kindergarten to adult education, business and economic development who are committed to identifying and addressing barriers that prevent area residents from pursuing or achieving their higher education goals.

Their aim is to double the number of college-educated residents in Androscoggin County over the next decade and transform the workforce and economic development of the region.

The Steering Committee believes the mission to be imperative, given the county’s acute need for a college-educated workforce.

According to the 2000 census, only 16 percent of working-age adults in Androscoggin County have at least a bachelor’s degree (as compared to 25 percent in Maine and 24 percent in New England); likewise, only 23 percent of working-age adults have at least an associate’s degree (compared to the New England average of 42 percent and 33 percent in Maine).

Lower educational attainment correlates with lower per-capita income, lower median household income and slightly higher household poverty rates than in the state as a whole. Taken together, the figures have catalyzed the Steering Committee to seek action ideas to help achieve their vision.