FORT KENT – The CollegeSTART program at the University of Maine Fort Kent has helped more than a dozen local residents who previously had not seen college as a possibility gain access to college courses. The program can lead to a liberal arts certificate.

Osher Scholarships, which make the program possible, provide an award of $500 to cover the cost of tuition, fees, and most of the cost of required textbooks for one Maine CollegeSTART course to Maine residents who have earned a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma.

Preference is given to those who previously have not completed a college course. Additional courses may be taken; however, funding must come from another source.The liberal arts certificate recognizes that a student has completed at least one qualifying course in each of six core liberal arts subject areas. Students may complete the requirements at their own pace.

Students may choose to have their certificate awarded by any of the five participating University of Maine campuses at Augusta, Fort Kent, Machias, Presque Isle or the University of Southern Maine. Credit for courses completed while working toward the certificate also can be transferred to Maine Technical College System campuses.

For more information about the Maine CollegeSTART or Certificate in Liberal Arts programs, contact Donald Eno at 834-7835 or 1-888-TRY-UMFK.