Get a Head Start on College
High school students have the opportunity to earn college credit through Central Maine Community College while completing their high school education. Whether you’re looking to explore a career interest, get ahead on your degree, or experience college-level coursework, CMCC offers several options to help you begin your college journey early.
College Credit Options
CMCC offers three ways for high school students to earn college credit. Talk to your school counselor or advisor to find out which option is best for you.
Dual Enrollment — Take CMCC Courses as a High School Student
High school students with a GPA of 2.7 or higher may earn college credit through courses at CMCC while completing high school requirements. Credits earned also count toward high school graduation and can be transferred to other colleges and universities.
Embark — Guided Support Through the College Process
The Embark program is designed to help high school students who are undecided about their future learn more about college. Students in this program start their junior year of high school and continue through their second year of community college. Participants from over 80 Maine high schools receive academic support and guidance and are eligible to enroll in college classes while in high school. Participants are also eligible for scholarships of up to $2,000 to a Maine community college. This program allows individuals:
- The chance to take a free college course in the senior year of high school
- Help with applying to college and completing financial aid forms
- One-on-one support and advising in high school and college
- Scholarships to a Maine community college (up to $2,000 over 2 years)
Concurrent Enrollment — Earn College Credit at Your High School
Central Maine Community College partners with secondary schools to offer eligible students the opportunity to earn college credit through concurrent enrollment.
Taught by high school faculty during the regular school day, these courses allow you to satisfy high school requirements while earning official CMCC credits toward a degree or for transfer to other institutions. Credit is awarded automatically upon course completion and no extra post-registration forms are required.
Concurrent Enrollment Partner Schools
CMCC maintains concurrent enrollment agreements with participating secondary schools. Browse the current agreements here:
- Bath Regional Technical Center: Building Construction Technology, Graphic Communications, Architectural & Civil Engineering
- Bonny Eagle High School
Building Construction Technology: Capital Area Technical Center
Automotive Technology, Building Construction Technology, Medical Terminology - Caribou Technical Center: Criminal Justice
- Edward Little High School: Accounting, Graphic Communications, English, Communications
- Forest Hills Consolidated Schools: Criminal Justice
- Foster Technology Center: Business & Computer Applications, Computer Technology, Graphic Communications
- Hancock County Technical Center: Automotive
- Lake Region Vocational Center: Automotive, Computer Technology, Building Construction Technology
- Leavitt Area High School: Business & Computer Applications, Early Childhood Education, Psychology
- Lewiston Regional Technical Center: Accounting, Building Construction Technology, Business Administration & Management, Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Technology, Criminal Justice, Graphic Communications
- Lisbon High School: Communications
- Maine Academy of Natural Science: Graphic Communications
- Mid-Coast School of Technology: Medical Terminology
- Mid-Maine Technical Center: Automotive, Computer Technology, Graphic Communications, Precision Machining Technology, Criminal Justice
- Monmouth Academy: Communications
- Northern Penobscot Tech Region III: Criminal Justice
- Oxford Hills High School: Communications
- Oxford Hills Technical School: Business & Computer Applications, Building Construction Technology, Business Administration & Management, Criminal Justice, Graphic Communications
- Portland Arts & Technology High School: Automotive, Medical Terminology
- Saint Dominic Academy: Architectural and Civil Engineering
- Somerset County Technical Center: Graphic Communications
- Tri-County Technical Center: Automotive Technology, Building Construction Technology, Criminal Justice, Graphic Communications, Medical Terminology
- Westbrook Regional Vocational Center: Building Construction Technology, Criminal Justice
- Cheshire Tech: Business Administration & Management
- Creteau Regional Technology Center: Graphic Communications
- Huot Tech: Building Construction Technology, Criminal Justice
- Somersworth Career Technical Center: Business Administration & Management
- Sugar River Tech: Building Construction Technology
- William M. Davies Career and Technical High School: Culinary Arts, Graphic Communications
- Woonsocket Area Career & Technical Center: Graphic Communications, Medical Terminology
- Cold Hollow Career Center: Building Construction Technology
- Green Mountain Tech and Career Center: Automotive Technology, Building Construction Technology
- Lyndon Institute: Medical Terminology
- North Country Career Center: Building Construction Technology
- Northwest Technical Center: Medical Terminology, Building Construction Technology
- River Bend CTC: Building Construction Technology
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of the On-Course for College program?
- Earn up to 18 lifetime credits from freshman to senior year at an approved public high school in Maine, or home school with letter of intent (if enrolled in a CTE program, students can earn up to 24 lifetime credits).
- Enhance your learning experience.
- Become familiar with the college environment.
How much does OnCourse for College cost?
Freshmen and sophomores qualify for waived tuition at Central Maine Community College; you pay only for fees and textbooks (see the On Course for College Application for all fees). Juniors and seniors pay only for textbooks.
Which courses can high school students take?
Students can take any college course offered through Central Maine Community College as long as it meets the following requirements:
- High school or home school official’s approval
- Student has met course prerequisites (see College Catalog for course prerequisites)
- Available space in the course
- Not a remedial course; these courses do not result in college credit
Is there a special track for prospective nursing students?
Yes. Students may participate in the On Course Nursing track, allowing them to start clinical rotations their first semester at Central Maine Community College.
How do I apply for On-Course for College courses?
Complete the On Course for College Application. Applications are welcome when fall and spring semester registration opens for non-matriculated and new students. Please see the Current Academic Calendar for these dates.
How will I know if my registration and payment are confirmed?
Students will receive a confirmation of course registration containing their Student ID number, course schedule, course location, professor’s name, and required textbook(s) through the College Store. Disregard what looks like a bill; course fees have been received if the student has received this packet.
What are students responsible for after enrolling?
Students are responsible for obtaining an official transcript from CMCC after their course ends, posting grades to high school, buying required textbooks, and other academic tasks.
Have more questions?
Contact Admissions
We’re here to help! Visit the Office of Admissions, located in the Tower, call (207) 755-5273, fax (207) 755-5493, or email cmccadmissions@mainecc.edu.
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:00 am – 4:30 pm