higher opportunity for pathways to employment (hope)

The Higher Opportunity for Pathways to Employment (HOPE) Program is a program offered by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.

The HOPE Program helps qualifying parents cover costs related to training and education. HOPE can help pay for:

Watch this video for first hand accounts of the difference HOPE can make.

Program Eligibility

Must be a parent or caretaker relative of a minor child living with you.
Must be a Maine resident and age 16–64.
Must meet financial eligibility guidelines (income & assets).
Must be accepted to or enrolled (at least half-time) in a qualifying post-high-school education or training program.
Not currently receiving TANF or PaS monthly cash benefits (you or someone in your family unit).
Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (many non-citizens may qualify).
Must not already have a marketable bachelor’s degree.
Must be making satisfactory progress in your education/training program.

Assets: $10,000 or less (primary house and car typically not counted). Maine
Income must be at or below 225% of the Federal Poverty Level based on family size (e.g., ~$35,213 annual for 1 person; ~$72,338 for four).

Lead to a degree or recognized certificate beyond high school.
Be accredited or industry-recognized.
Be cost-effective (especially for private, for-profit, or out-of-state schools).
Lead to a job with at least an average job outlook (as defined by state labor data).

HOPE Pathway Navigator for UMaine

207.610.9686