MaineSpark

MDF is a key partner in and staff to the MaineSpark Coalition, a partnership of employers, educators, and nonprofit leaders launched in 2016 to address the education and workforce challenges facing our state by strengthening the systems and institutions that support Mainers on paths to fulfilling careers.

For the past ten years, MaineSpark’s members have come together to ensure that Maine’s workforce is productive and competitive. Our organizations have connected the people of our state with the education, training, jobs, programs and resources needed to thrive in our robust and changing economy.

Our initial goal was that by 2025, 60% of Mainers would hold education and workforce credentials that position Maine and its families for success. Despite the pandemic and other unforeseen obstacles, we’ve made great progress: education attainment in Maine has increased to 55.5% (as of the most recent data in 2024). But new challenges have arisen that demand new solutions, all of which depend on people earning credentials.

Thus, the Coalition has embarked on a second phase and set an ambitious new goal: by 2035, 70% of working-age Mainers will hold postsecondary credentials, opening opportunities to good jobs and creating pathways to prosperity in their communities. To reach this goal together, MaineSpark invites you to join the effort, which will focus on the following priorities and strategies:

• Credential Completion & Persistence
• Post-secondary Access & Affordability
• Early Exposure & Career-Connected Learning
• Pathway Navigation
• Early Care & K-8 Education
• Regional & Community-Based Solutions
• Equity-Focused Supports

To join our efforts, your organization can sign on to support this goal, key measures, and priority actions:

To learn more visit the MaineSpark website:

Visit MaineSpark.me

Follow MaineSpark on Facebook

MaineSpark Overview

To learn more about the MaineSpark contact Erica Watson, Program Director, Education and Workforce Development