Matt speaks with David Daigler President of the Maine Community College System. He discussed the impact of the free community college program for the class of 2025, which is facing funding cuts. The program has significantly exceeded expectations, with 17,000 enrolled, up from the anticipated 8,000. It has attracted a younger demographic and filled critical workforce needs in fields like healthcare and trades. Daigler emphasized the importance of expanding the program to include adult learners and highlighted the program's success in increasing enrollment by 19% in 2023, leading the nation. The conversation also touched on legislative debates about the program's future.
