Policy Priorities

It’s easy to advocate for a brighter future for Maine. We encourage MaineSpark partners to include in their testimony that they are part of this important coalition. See the below sample language used by our partners:


  • "As a member of the MaineSpark coalition, we support Maine's goal that by the year 2025, 60% of adults in Maine's workforce will hold a postsecondary degree or credential of value in demand by Maine employers."

  • "Our mission is to ensure that Maine people are prepared to succeed in education and careers and that all Maine people reach their highest educational potential. As a member of the MaineSpark coalition, we measure this by attainment - the share of adult workers with a postsecondary credential of value in demand by Maine employers. Maine's goal is to reach 60% by 2025."

Maine needs 60% of its workforce to have a credential of value (college degree, trade certificate, etc.) in addition to their high school diploma in order to connect to a job in today's economy.

Today Maine is at 46%. Reaching our goal will require aligning education and training, from birth through adulthood, to provide Maine citizens with the knowledge needed to fill good jobs.In addition to best practices and investment strategies, this work requires a supportive and comprehensive policy framework.

The four tracks of MaineSpark believe that advancements on any of these fronts will improve outcomes for Maine people. Together, these priorities provide a powerful roadmap to achieve our workforce goal.



These underlying technical resource needs span all tracks as top priorities.


  1. Improve broadband quality and access statewide, with emphasis on connecting underserved communities.

  2. Adopt unified definitions for Adult Learner, Degree & Credential Attainment, Degrees and Credentials of Value, and College and Career Readiness.

  3. Develop a statewide longitudinal data system (SLDS) to track learning outcomes, credential attainment, employment and wages.