Maine Community College System.

**History & Mission****Our mission** The mission of the Maine Community College System is to provide associate degree, diploma and certificate programs directed at the educational, career and technical needs of the State’s citizens and the workforce needs of the State’s employers. The primary goals of the System are to create an educated, skilled and adaptable labor force that is responsive to the changing needs of the economy of the State and to promote local, regional and statewide economic development. ([Public Law, Chapter 431](https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/20-a/title20-Asec12703.html)) **Our history** The history of Maine’s community colleges began nearly seven decades ago, with the creation of the Maine Vocational Technical Institute (MVTI) in Augusta. Today, the state’s seven community colleges serve more than 30,000 people a year, through two-year associate degree and one-year certificate programs, short-term workforce training, early college programs, advanced certificates, and other learning opportunities. The history of the colleges—detailed below—reflects strong and enduring statewide support for their mission and vision.