Competitive Skills Scholarship Program

Department of Labor

The success of Maine’s economy is tied to the skills and expansion of our workforce. With our state’s aging population, both our heritage industries and newly emerging business sectors require growing the pool of Mainers qualified for in-demand jobs.

The Competitive Skills Scholarship Program helps students and jobseekers pursue two and four-year degree programs or employer recognized credentials leading to good paying jobs that are in high demand by Maine's employers. The scholarship pays for tuition and fees that are not covered by other financial aid, as well as other supports such as child care, transportation, books, supplies, equipment, and remedial and prerequisite training. With funding from the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, Maine’s Department of Labor is expanding this program to serve additional residents with an enhanced focused on individuals whose employment was negatively impacted by the pandemic.