WLBZ reports on pipeline program aimed to fill Maine’s engineer shortage

WLBZ (Channel 2) reported on a pipeline program between the University of Maine and Thornton Academy high school in Saco. The program, which aims to fill Maine’s shortage of engineers, allows students to get an engineering degree in just three years, according to the report. “This is the only university in Maine where we have a pipeline where students can complete an entire year at high school,” said Dana Humphrey, dean of the College of Engineering. Humphrey said he hopes the program will continue to expand by creating more partnerships with schools across the state. “I want to see the College of Engineering grow by at least 1,000 students so we can meet Maine’s engineering workforce needs,” Humphrey said. Benjamin Leary started his first year at UMaine as a sophomore majoring in chemical engineering, WLBZ reported. Leary and Caleb Bailey, both graduates of Thornton Academy, are the first two students to take advantage of the program, the report states. “It let me know ‘Oh this is what I want to do.’ It was perfect for me,” Leary said of the program. Mainebiz also reported on the program, citing the WLBZ report.