FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions!
Bridge Academy is free to enroll in if your CTE Centers is a Bridge Partner ! If they are not, contact us and we'll reach out to them! Costs within the program for Dual Enrollment College Credit: The current (2024-25) college credit hour cost for a Bridge Academy student ranges from $0 to $ 40 per credit which is a significant discount from the usual UMS and MCCS rates. Additionally, your economic need is a factor in this cost per credit determination. There is no cost for the concurrently earned high school credit. Most college courses are 3 credits, with an additional credit earned if the course involves a science lab (total of 4 credits).
Up to 24, and Yes!
Bridge Academy students have the opportunity to complete up to 24 college credits (depending on your motivation and high school’s capability). The student must receive a grade of a C or better in some courses to obtain UMS or MCCS credit. Additional college credit may be earned through the student’s program at his/her CTE.
Because these college credits are awarded by UMS or MCCS campuses, they are part of the transfer of credit agreements among the campuses of both UMS and MCCS. In addition, since UMS and MCCS campuses are fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, these course credits are often accepted by other colleges and universities. Each situation will be different for specific schools and, of course, specific programs. Check with colleges you are thinking about and ask. You are expected to research different colleges and programs and determine how many Bridge Academy courses would transfer.
Meaningful work, that takes you places!
Just because a college credit is transferable, is does not always mean it is useful. The courses selected for Bridge Academy students tend to be the most common courses required for college majors. In some specialty college programs, one or two of these courses may not be required, but might be used to satisfy elective requirements. In other instances, a college may have specific reasons that require a student to takes its version of the course. Students need to check with the colleges to which they wish to apply, to determine which credits may transfer, which credits fulfill program or elective requirements, and whether there other dual enrollment courses offered that might advance a student’s standing.
Building skills. Building Opportunities!
This is up to you and where you choose to continue your education. You may, for instance, choose to pursue an Associate’s Degree at EMCC, SMCC, NMCC or another community college, or pursue a Bachelor’s Degree at UMaine, UMA, USM, UMFK or elsewhere with your earned college credits. Please request a transcript analysis from colleges before you make an enrollment commitment in order to learn which Bridge Academy courses will be accepted into various programs.
Guided exploration and connections!
Dual college enrollments will occur only for Bridge Academy students during their high school junior and senior years as well as during the summers between sophomore and junior, and junior and senior years.
Your High School, CTE Center and special trips!
Most academic courses will be offered at your high school, technical classes at your CTE and some classes and summer activities will be held on the campuses of UMS and MCCS and integrate special trips throughout Maine, organized for Bridge students and free! For additional courses, you may attend another campus or take a college course online.
We've got this!
A student wishing to join the Bridge Academy Program will need to complete the admissions packet and be in good standing with their high school. The Bridge Academy Admission Committee will carefully review each applicant in regard to his/her potential for success and if she/he is a good fit for the program.
Privileges!
Students accepted into the Bridge Academy Program may receive some of the privileges of an UMS and/or MCCS student which include: an identification card(s), e-mail address (es), use of library resources, tutoring services, writing center and some recreational resources.
Additionally, students who successfully complete the Bridge Academy Program may also be offered simplified admissions at University of Maine System universities and Maine Community College System colleges.
We help you find answers!
Each high school and CTE handles this question differently; however, in many instances the student is responsible for this cost. We continue to work with university and college faculty to minimize the costs for Bridge Academy high schools and students. However, some courses may require a latest edition new text or on-line access code costing upwards of $125.00 for each text/code and those costs may be the responsibility of each student.
Here they are, and more are on the way!
United Technologies Center
Region Two School of Applied Technology
Region 9 School of Applied Technology
Lewiston Regional Technical Center
Hancock County Technical Center
Foster Career and Technical Center
Tri-County Technical Center
Yup!
The Maine Department of Labor administers the income verified Competitive Skills Scholarship. We also help you connect with more scholarships, grants and programs!
