After marriage, raising two children and a career in social services, Biddeford resident Patricia St. Pierre is headed toward a new goal: College.

The former clinic assistant at York County Community Action lost her job of eight years last fall, and learned that a degree is a valuable thing in securing a job in today’s workforce. St. Pierre said in a recent interview with the Journal Tribune that many of the available positions in her field now require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

This is why she decided to head to the University College at Saco this fall, and thanks to a scholarship program, some of the cost will be covered. This fall, St. Pierre’s first college class, English 101, College Writing, begins, and the class ”“ along with tuition, fees and books ”“ will be  paid for by an Osher II scholarship.

Through the Osher II scholarship program, one class in the University of Maine system, along with books and associated fees, is paid for by the system. To qualify, a student must be a Maine resident and a high school graduate or GED recipient. Preference is given to first-time students.

The program was created in 2000 to encourage more Maine residents of all ages to attend college. The scholarship is made possible by a gift from the Bernard Osher Foundation.

This scholarship and other programs like it offer a great opportunity for people who have never been to college and who want to expand their knowledge.

The cost of college courses can be prohibitive for many, and just the concept of returning to school later in life can be daunting as well.

Suzan Nelson, director of University College at Saco, said college is a major financial commitment, and the scholarship allows students to test the waters and realize their potential. The first course will hopefully entice students to continue their education and earn a degree.

In today’s job market, a college degree is becoming a necessity for a well-paying career. Many who have worked in jobs at factories and manufacturing plants that are now dwindling are learning that they must be retrained for many of the jobs available in the industries growing today. Whether it’s a two-year degree in a trade or a four-year degree in education or technology, increasing one’s knowledge and becoming more diverse is a good investment.

For those in York County who have not attended college and are considering trying it out, the Osher II scholarship would allow them to get their feet wet without incurring the cost.

For more information about the program, visit learn.maine.edu/saco/get-started/osher-scholarships.

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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham representing the majority opinion of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.