NEWSLETTER QUARTERLY
Education that moves you forward. The path starts here.
Stay Informed, Stay Inspired — Welcome to our Newsletter
I’m delighted to welcome you to the first issue of our quarterly newsletter. Within these pages, you’ll find a snapshot of our programs and the remarkable people whose journeys make our adult education community shine. We hope it offers a clear view of who we are as well as the dedication and spirit that drives our work each day. I invite you to celebrate this work with us and to visit us to see our mission in action.
Mission Statement
South Portland Adult Education believes that all adult learners are able to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for post-secondary education, career, and citizenship. Adult learners of all backgrounds are welcomed, included, and respected as they participate in relevant and accessible high quality learning experiences to help them reach their fullest potential
Jayden, 2025 HiSET graduate
Joana, ESOL student
Director
South Portland Adult Education
Our Impact and Reach: By The Numbers
FY25 (July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025)
380
The total number of SPAE students served during the 2024-2025 year.
34
The number of countries around the globe from which our students originate.
91%
The percentage of students who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).
17-72
The age range of our students.
97%
The percentage of students who are low income.
SPAE's enrollment has increased exponentially in the past three years, growing by 600%, due in part to increased: grant and local funding demand for English instruction interest in high school equivalency and pre-college classes and advising and creation of a new workforce training program
SPAE PROGRAMS
South Portland Adult Education offers the following programs:
ESOL courses from beginner to advanced levels
HiSET®, the Maine High School Equivalency Exam
Bridge to Hospitality Careers, an Integrated Education and Workforce Training
Maine College and Career Access: pre-college coursework and advising
WorkforceTraining
Pre-CollegeClasses&Advising
SPAE STAFF: SUPPORTING OUR MISSION
As our enrollment has grown, so has our staff, allowing us to be more able to support the diverse needs of our student body In addition to its academic offerings, SPAE also assists students with community agency referrals and college and career advising.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Can you tell me a bit about yourself and what led you to enroll in SPAE?
My name is Sammie. I love to crochet and I have a dog named Sadie. I dropped out of high school when I was 18 because of bullying. I wanted to enroll in SPAE because I want to go to college one day and maybe become an architect or a preschool worker.
What were your educational experiences like before joining SPAE?
I loved learning, I just didn’t like the environment.
How has being in this program changed your confidence or outlook on life? It made my social anxiety go down and I gained confidence in myself.
What advice would you give to other adults thinking about returning to school?
Don’t be scared to take that step and get it done. It’s easier than you think.
CLASS LOCATIONS
SPAE is proud of our collaboration with Avesta Housing to offer ESOL classes in central, convenient, and walkable locations within two of their South Portland apartment buildings. 45% of ESOL students live in a 0.5 mile radius of Brick Hill Heights or the West End Apartments.
BrickHillHeights
ESOL classes are open to adult residents of South Portland, aged 17 or older.
ESOL classes are open to adult residents of South Portland, aged 17 or older.
SPAE’s office can be found within South Portland High School. ESOL, HiSET®, and Bridge to Hospitality Careers classes are also held inside our office suite.
SouthPortlandHighSchool
A PIPELINE TO IN DEMAND JOBS
In the fall of 2024, SPAE launched a new Integrated Education and Training program approved by the Maine Department of Education’s Adult Education Office called Bridge to Hospitality Careers. The program uses a teaching model that integrates adult education and literacy activities, workforce preparation activities, and workforce training activities. Since its inception, SPAE has run 2 cohorts with 19 participants receiving industry recognized customer service certifications and improved English language skills.
The latest cohort of Bridge to Hospitality began this fall with a focus on credentialing 13 new students using the Guest Service Gold®: Tourism certification from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute. This nationally recognized customer service credential will set students apart from others seeking positions in the hospitality and tourism industry.
As a group, the students will complete 70 hours of instruction over the course of 14 weeks with an emphasis on building English communication and digital literacy skills In addition, students design a resume and cover letter, attend guest lectures and workshops from the Maine Tourism Association, the New Mainers Resource Center, and Goodwill Workforce Solutions. Students also participate in 2 field trips over the course of the program: to learn about the inner workings of commercial kitchen at the South Portland High School cafeteria and the daily operations of a hotel at the Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth.
Bridge to Hospitality Careers is primarily funded through a federal grant awarded and administered through the Maine Department of Education. Additionally, thanks to a generous grant from the Bridge to Work Foundation via the Maine Community Foundation, the current cohort of students benefited from free instructional materials and supplies, the use of a laptop, a transportation credit, and waived exam fees.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
SPAE relies on funding from multiple sources. Just under half of its funds come from grants and state subsidies. All programs and services are offered to students at no cost to them.
FY26 FUNDING SOURCES
https://maineadulted.org/location/spae
adulted@spsdme.org
@southportlandadulted
linkedin.com/company/south-portlandadult-education
SPAE was recognized this fall by the Maine Department of Education’s Office of Adult Education as a Top Performer, meeting 3 out of 4 of its performance targets during the 2024-2025 school year.