Diane Raychard, 52, of Lyman never thought she’d be a college student.

“I thought I missed the boat on that one,” she said.

Raychard began working at WestPoint Home factory in Biddeford right after high school. Over the years she worked her way up to the job of quality control manager.

“I was happy at my job,” she said. “I thought I’d retire there.”

But in 2009, the mill closed, and Raychard was out of a job after working there for 32 years.

Raychard sent out resumes, but never heard back. She had the experience and the skills, but, she said, “I didn’t have the degree.”

“I was so apprehensive about going to college. I was so nervous. It was all brand new,” she said.

Then a friend told her about the College Transitions program at the Saco Learning Center. The program is funded through a state grant and is available at different locations across the state.

One day a week for 15 weeks students take classes in Algebra, English, college awareness and information technology.

Liis Nigol, student services coordinator, said the program helps students “brush up” on skills needed for college.

For those who have been out of school for a while, getting comfortable with a computer and learning how to write a research paper are important steps to being prepared for college, said Nigol.

“I would never have learned to do an essay cold turkey,” said Raychard.

After taking the classes, she found herself not so nervous to go to college, and instead excited about the new opportunity.

“I don’t think I could have done this well without the learning center. It really gave me that stepping stone,” she said.

Raychard is now in her second semester at YCCC and was recently inducted in the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She is a business major and hopes to get a job as a business manager after she graduates.

“You’re never too old” to go to college, said Raychard.

She said that she knows people from WestPoint who haven’t found jobs yet. If she wasn’t in school, she said, “I’d probably still be looking” for a job.

“We’re so happy to get people started,” said Nigol.

Barbara Gauvin, director of programming at Massabesic Center for Adult Learning, said that for people who don’t have a high school diploma or who have been out of school for a while, subjects like math and language arts can be intimidating.

“I think sometimes, when you’re in that situation, you feel vulnerable,” said Gauvin.

Counselors work with students one-on-one, going over strengths and skills and areas they have to work on, and provide a friendly, supportive environment.

Gauvin said certificate programs like those for nurse’s aid and pharmacy technician are popular, and the center is looking to provide more certificate programs in the medical field.

“Anything with a medical focus, that seems to be where the jobs are,” she said.

One big challenge for people is not having the confidence to start, and  filling out financial aid applications and trying to balance life with school can be overwhelming. There are different ways to get a college diploma, and people can take one class at a time, or take classes online, said Nigol.

“Knowledge is power. Making that decision can change their lives,” said Nigol. Many instructors appreciate older students, said Nigol. They’re curious and motivated and use their time wisely, she said.

“They bring valuable life experience that younger people don’t have,” said Gauvin.

YCCC Associate Academic Dean Doreen Rogan said non-traditional students usually do very well in college.

“They are very determined to succeed,” she said. “We’re excited to have them in our classrooms. I think it helps the younger students to see that motivation.”

Rogan said the college is always working to accommodate the needs of students, including online services and Saturday classes in the fall.

Charles Lyons, president of York County Community College, said the college’s attendance has grown 103 percent over the past five years and attracts a broad range of students, from recent high school graduates to those who have been laid off after factory and plant closings.

For those who are returning to college after an absence of many years or are going for the first time after being in the workforce, “It’s not an easy adjustment,” he said.

However, Lyons said, the school has seen many non-traditional students over the years.

“They’re not alone here. They have a lot of company,” he said.

Lyons said the school has a Learning Assistance Center where people can get help with daily homework or a writing assignment.

“Anybody can go there to get help,” he said.

YCCC recently became one of three community colleges to offer Accelerate ME, a program for those who have some prior college background, which will cover costs of tuition and allow students to get an associates degree in 12 months.

“We want them to come home,” said Lyons.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.