Maine College Circle is based on the following beliefs, which come from over fifteen years of work in college planning for students throughout the state of Maine. • Better, equal, and earlier access to information and advice on higher education opportunities is essential. • We must communicate the value of a great college education and we must help students see a clearer connection between a great college education and a career. • The excitement and value of higher education must be communicated to students beginning in elementary school and throughout middle school and high school, if the goal is to see many more Maine students pursue a great college education. Aspirations and motivation for college are built over years, not months. • High school guidance counselors need support from their communities and need easier access to good information about colleges. • More students will attend college when communities throughout the state raise their expectations for higher education, and when all students and families are assured that they do have the opportunity to attend college.

Our Beliefs