[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 127 (Thursday, August 6, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S6433]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING YORK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

 Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, on September 5, 1995, York County 
Technical College opened its doors in a hotel in Wells, ME, with five 
associate's degree and certificate programs and 156 students. Now known 
as York County Community College, the college in 2015 has three 
campuses, more than 30 programs, and some 1,700 full and part-time 
students. I congratulate this remarkable institution for 20 years of 
contributions to the people of Maine's southernmost county and to our 
entire State.
  This truly is a community effort. In the years before the school was 
established, business, civic, and education leaders in York County 
formed Partners for Progress, a coalition to address the challenge of 
developing a better-trained workforce for a fast-changing global 
economy. The demand for technical education was immediately apparent: 
by 1997, in just its third year, the numbers for enrollment and 
programs both tripled. In recent years, York County Community College 
has twice been named one of the fastest-growing community colleges in 
the Nation.
  In 2003, Maine's outstanding technical college system expanded its 
mission to become a community college system that enhances skills, 
strengthens our State's economy, and increases access to college. 
Nearly one-half of York County Community College students are first-
generation college students, and some 40 percent of graduates go on to 
enroll at a 4-year college. Under the leadership of President Barbara 
Finkelstein, a dedicated faculty and staff, and a committed YCCC 
Foundation, York County Community College reaches out in many ways. 
With programs for seniors and students of high school age and younger, 
lifelong learning is a core part of the school's mission. The Center 
for Entrepreneurship encourages the innovation that is essential to our 
economy. Arts and culture offerings and the ``Eggs and Issues'' 
speakers program enrich the entire community.
  The people of Maine are proud of our community college system. The 
reason is clear: students of all ages and backgrounds are finding 
affordable tuition and the skills they need to succeed. They are 
finding real value.
  York County Community College is an important part of that success. 
Since its inception, the college has educated more than 20,000 people 
in many fields, including medical fields, technology, business 
management, skilled trades, and many other occupations. It has fueled 
the economy, created opportunity, and helped improve the quality of 
life for all. The accomplishments of York County Community College 
during the past 20 years are inspiring, and I know the best is yet to 
come.

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