NMCC to host community info night on Jan. 5

    PRESQUE ISLE  –   Residents of Aroostook County and neighboring western New Brunswick looking to make a positive change in the New Year will have the opportunity to learn how they can get started on a new career or move ahead in their current job and take advantage of the most affordable college tuition rates in the state during an upcoming informational evening.     Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle will host Info Night on Monday, Jan. 5, from 5-7 p.m. in the main lobby of Christie Building on NMCC’s Presque Isle campus. The evening is designed for members of the public who want to learn more about local education and training options and the various offerings delivered on NMCC’s Presque Isle campus and at the college’s distance education centers in Houlton and the St. John Valley.
    In addition to information on programs offered by the college, Info Night attendees will be able to learn more about financing their education and about financial aid that is available to students.  
    As a further incentive, NMCC will waive the standard application fee for individuals who attend the Info Night and apply for a specific program of study, and registration fees will be waived for those who do not enroll in a program but sign up for individual courses.
    “Info Night provides a wonderful opportunity for community members to learn what the college has to offer and see for themselves how convenient class offerings can work into most schedules,” said Jason Parent, director of development and college relations. “Over the years, many individuals have found success at NMCC and subsequently in the workforce, because they took the first step and attended Info Night.”
    One such individual is Robert Gagnon of Madawaska, who was impacted by the downsizing at Fraser Paper in the St. John Valley in 2007.
    “Having been in the workforce for years, I was worried about returning to school, but I took the first step by attending an NMCC Info Night. A year later, I can truly say that it has been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I would recommend it to anyone who is uncertain of whether or not they will succeed going back to school after many years. NMCC made it both easy and very pleasant,” said Gagnon.
    Gagnon, a plumbing and heating major, will graduate in May 2010. Fellow non-traditional student Denise Sock, of Ashland, who will complete her degree in medical office administration this coming May, visited an Info Night at NMCC in 2006.
    “I attended Info Night and was very unsure and quite nervous about being a non-traditional student and starting a new path in life. I got all of the information I needed to get started and was reassured and encouraged that everything would be okay,” said Sock. “Everything has been great. I encourage others to attend Info Night. College has been an awesome experience, and I’m glad I took that first step.”
    The college Info Nights are tailored to each individual who attends. Participants can walk in on Jan. 5 at any time between 5 and 7 p.m. for a one-on-one session with an NMCC representative.
    NMCC spring semester courses begin on Jan. 12. For more information on Info Night or on spring semester course offerings, contact NMCC at 768-2787.