The Maine Educational Opportunity Center is holding “Essentials of College Planning Workshops” at various locations throughout the state from Jan. 2 to 5.

MEOC workshops are free and are meant to help qualified adults make the transition toward a college education. MEOC placed 644 adults across the state in different colleges and helped 150 receive their diploma or GED last year.

Workshops will be held at the following locations and times:

. Augusta – 1-4 p.m. Jan. 5 at the Augusta Career Center, 2 Anthony Ave.

. Bangor – 1:15-4:15 p.m. Jan. 2 at the Bangor Housing Authority, 161 Davis Road; 9 a.m.-noon Jan. 3 at the Bangor Career Center, 45 Oak St.; 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Jan. 4 at the University College at Bangor, Bangor Hall, 1 University Drive.

. Thomaston – 1- 4 p.m. Jan. 2 at the University College at Thomaston, 60 Main St.

. Belfast – 9 a.m.-noon Jan. 3 at the Hutchinson Center, 80 Belmont Drive.

. Dover-Foxcroft – 9 a.m.-noon Jan. 4 at the Dover-Foxcroft Career Center, 50 Pine Crest Drive.

. Ellsworth – 9 a.m.-noon Jan. 2 at the Hancock County Higher Education Center, 248 State St.; 9 a.m.-noon Jan. 3 at the Ellsworth Career Center, 248 State St.; 9 a.m.-noon Jan. 5 at the Hancock County Higher Education Center, 248 State St.