The Maine Department of Education along with the state’s community college and university systems announced a shared effort today to expand the Maine College Transitions Program.

The Transitions Program offers tutoring, counseling and career planning services to adults who have been out of high school for several years and want to go to college. The program prepares students for college-level math, reading and other skills.

Since the program started in 2007, it has served more than 1,000 people who have gone on to earn college degrees. Enrollment is up 63 percent this year to more than 1,300 students.

Governor John Baldacci noted the program’s increased importance during a recession.

“In the current economy, many adults are recognizing they need to enter a two- or four-year college to improve their earning potential,” said Governor Baldacci. “That’s where successful partnerships like Maine College Transition come in. Participating adults who become graduates from college are joining the engine that drives Maine’s economy. They are fulfilling the dream for themselves, their families, their communities, and for the state of Maine.”

“Our participants continually amaze me with their ambition, their desire to succeed for themselves and their families,” said Larinda Meade, coordinator of the College Transitions program. “Many of our adults are doing homework at the table with their kids for the first time. It’s truly inspirational.”