Funding Options

A list of organizations around the state of Maine that provide support for potential trainees and students in our programs. Each program has its own unique guidelines and qualifications, please click the links to view more information.

Competitive Skills Scholarship Program
Funding and support for programs leading to high-wage, in-demand jobs in Maine

Eastern Maine Development Corporation
Career, funding, and educational support services

HOPE Program
Helps qualifying parents to cover costs related to training and education

Maine Blue Collar Scholarship Fund

Funding for students pursuing training in the trades or manufacturing

Maine Community Foundation
Scholarship program for adult learners

Maine Workforce Compact
Grant funding for employees of Maine-based businesses/organizations

PathStone
Funding support for migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their dependents
Contact: ACastaneda@pathstone.org

P.E.O Continuing Education Grant

Provides need-based grants to women in the U.S./Canada whose education has been interrupted

STEM Opportunity Scholarships

Awards scholarship funds to residents of Franklin and Somerset counties for STEM-related training

Become a member of the Maine Workforce Development Compact

Benefits: It is Free to join! Your organization will become eligible for training funds for frontline workers to participate in our trainings at KVCC.

How to join

Step 1: Your organization completes a short application

Step 2: A Memorandum of Agreement is sent via email to be signed

Step 3: Complete a funding request for individual employees to take specific trainings

Step 4: After the approval, we register the employee(s) for the class and communicate with them about getting started!

FAQ

Which organizations qualify to join the Compact?

Any Maine-based organization, municipality, association, or business. Self-employed individuals may qualify if they have registered a business in Maine.

Who qualifies as a Frontline Worker?

For the purposes of this grant, a frontline worker is someone who does the core work of the company or organization. This can include those in supervisory positions if they also perform the tasks of frontline workers (for example, filling in if someone is absent).
Trainees must be:
– Paid employees of the compact member (not elected officials, volunteers or interns)
– At least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent
– Residents of Maine

What is the grant amount?

From January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2025 the grant will cover 50% of the cost of approved training programs, up to $1,200 per employee.

What training is available?

You can see our upcoming scheduled training below.

We can also work with you to provide customized training on many other topics, while still utilizing the grant funding. Please contact us at: workforce@kvcc.me.edu or 207-453-5083

Can funding also be used for credit-bearing courses?

Yes, there is also a Scholarship program where you may apply for up to two 50% match scholarships (up to $212 each) per three-credit course per semester. Please reach out to us to receive an application for these scholarships.

A list of credit-bearing courses from all of Maine’s Community Colleges can be found here:
https://www.mccs.me.edu/workforce-training/alfond-center-scholarships/credit-courses/

For assistance with the Compact, please contact our Workforce Development Coordinator: workforce@kvcc.me.edu

For questions about the training/courses, please contact KVCC Workforce Training at 207-453-5083 or workforce@kvcc.me.edu

Eligible Courses

3D Printing Series

Community College = KVCC
Program title = 3D Printing EDU
Course description = Learn how to design and 3D print your own models and integrate 3D printing into your own classroom! This course is equivalent to 15 CEUs.
Number of hours = 150
Start date = 2/17/25
End date = 4/30/25
Funding request = $950

EMT – Basic

Community College = KVCC
Program title = EMT – Basic
Course description = Course content addresses the management of airway and respiratory problems, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, techniques of oxygen therapy, bleeding control and treatment for shock, soft tissue injuries and fracture care, principles of spinal immobilization, fundamentals of triage and transportation of the sick and injured, and treatment modalities for a range of medical, obstetrical, pediatric, environmental and behavioral emergencies. This course offers an introduction to patient assessment skills and includes training in the use of Automated External Defibrillators as required for licensure at the EMT level in the State of Maine.
Number of hours = 150
Start date = 1/10/23
End date = 5/9/23
Funding request = $1300

EPA 608 Refrigerant Certification

Community College = KVCC
Program title = EPA 608 Refrigerant Certificate
Course description = The EPA 608 certification exam prepares technicians for the following four certifications: Type I: Repair of small appliances, Type II: High pressure refrigerants (i.e. Mini Split Heat Pumps), and Type III: Low pressure appliances (chillers), or Universal. It is not intended to be formal refrigeration training. Technicians who take this course should be familiar with the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle and common service equipment and procedures.
Number of hours = 5
Start date = 8/24/24
End date = 8/24/24
Funding request = $195

Forensic Phlebotomy

Community College = KVCC
Program title = Forensic Phlebotomy
Course description = The Maine Forensic Phlebotomy Program is a State of Maine, Bureau of Highway Safety approved training designed to assist qualified law enforcement officers in the procedures of venipuncture for investigative purposes. Law enforcement officers will learn the ethical and legal aspects of phlebotomy, anatomy and physiology and safety precautions. Satisfactory completion of 100 successful blood draws will be required in a clinical setting.
Number of hours = 48
Start date = 10/7/24
End date = 11/15/24
Funding request = $2300

Heat Pump Installer Training

Community College = KVCC
Program title = Heat Pump Installer Training
Course description = This 40-hour course meets Efficiency Maine Heat Pump Installer Training requirements needed to qualify for rebates, financing, and sales leads. Using both classroom and hands-on lab instruction, it covers how to professionally install heat pump indoor units, outdoor units, and line sets. Students will get hands-on experience installing these state-of-the-art HVAC systems that are revolutionizing heating and cooling. Students successfully completing this course and KVCC’s separately offered EPA Section 608 Refrigerant Handling Course will qualify to work for the hundreds of Maine contractors installing tens of thousands of heat pumps each year.
Number of hours = 40
Start date = 8/19/24
End date = 8/23/24
Funding request = $995

High Pressure Boiler

Community College = KVCC
Program title = High Pressure Boiler
Course description = Basics of boiler design and control are emphasized as well as the importance of feed water treatment. Topics include day-to-day operations, steam turbine control, power generation, and environmental control parameters to meet emission requirements. The safe handling and combustion of natural gas, fuel oil, coal and wood fuel is covered. This course will also place emphasis on code requirements. The course offers a practical approach to power plant operation and is designed to prepare the student for the Maine licensing exam.
Number of hours = 45
Start date = 9/4/2024
End date = 12/18/2024
Funding request = $675

MHRT/C – Applied Ethics

Community College = KVCC
Program title = Applied Ethics
Course description = The Applied Ethics for the MHRT/C training will explore some of the many ethics issues faced by people working in the behavioral health field and is intended to offer guidance on how to think about and attempt to deal with some of the more common ethical dilemmas. This training has been designed to meet the criteria for MHRT/C continued education that is necessary under the provisions of the State of Maine MHRT/C certificate and satisfies the four hours of ethics training requirement.
Number of hours = 4
Start date = 11/4/2024
End date = 11/16/2024
Funding request = $90

MHRT/C – Cultural Competency

Community College = KVCC
Program title = Cultural Competency
Course description = Culture defines the norms, values, and expectations that allow us to predict, understand, and function in our society. Cultural diversity identifies that not all individuals living in a society share the same culture. These differences can lead to misunderstandings, discrimination, and barriers to service. This course will reinforce the self-reflective role of the MHRT/C in embracing cultural humility and cultural awareness as it is presented in the mental health field.
Number of hours = 4
Start date = 12/2/2024
End date = 12/14/2024
Funding request = $90

Sustainable Landscape and Garden Management

Community College = KVCC
Program title = Sustainable Landscape and Garden Management
Course description = Skilled landscape and garden workers are in high demand. This certificate program offered in partnership with Native Gardens of Blue Hill (NGBH) will prepare participants for employment with nursery and landscaping businesses or increase the skills and understanding of nature-based landscaping and gardening practices for those already in the field. The training will address topics such as work readiness, garden maintenance and planning, choosing the right plant, and understanding soil and water, with a focus on land stewardship.
Number of hours = 48
Start date =
End date =
Funding request = $850

Welding

Community College = KVCC
Program title = Welding I, Welding II, or Aluminum Welding
Course description = This training course will include basic safety, introduction to hand and power tools, construction drawings, basic riffing techniques as well as welding symbols, reading welding drawings, understanding the physical characteristics and properties of metals, GTAW, and FCAW equipment, filler metals and more.
Number of hours = 45
Start date = 9/17/24
End date = 11/5/24
Funding request = $950