UMS TRANSFORMS UMaine

$150 million for a multi-university Maine College of Engineering and Computing cooperatively led by the University of Maine, including a $75 million commitment from the Harold Alfond Foundation with a match obligation of another $75 million. A statewide, integrated solution to providing the technical workforce and innovations that are critical to moving Maine’s economy forward

MCEC is focused on the future: High performing, impactful public higher education service has to include anticipating state workforce needs and delivering solutions that provide critical industries, communities, and employers with the skilled workers needed to meet demand and move Maine forward. It is about providing the number of graduates with the requisite skills to maintain our state infrastructure and institutions, pursue opportunities in emerging markets, and grow the Maine economy.

MCEC delivers solutions: Thousands of new engineering and computing graduates are needed to replace members of Maine’s existing workforce, and to fill new jobs that will have to be created in our increasingly interconnected, digital global economy. The development of the Maine College of Engineering and Computing is a transformational, forward-looking approach to planning and solution delivery for the University of Maine System.

MCEC is a statewide approach: The UMS TRANSFORMS MCEC initiative seeks a statewide solution that will provide  additional undergraduate engineering programs at the University of Maine and University of Southern Maine, UMaine graduate engineering programs offered in Portland, expanded pathways into the statewide college from all University of Maine System universities, community colleges, and K–12, and new opportunities for shared programs, interdisciplinary structures and partnerships.

Facility Details

• 10,000-square-foot multidisciplinary student project design suite with 48 workbenches supported by shops for biomedical, electronics, 3D printing, vehicles, metals, wood and composites.
• 10,000-square-foot biomedical engineering research lab suite
• Six active learning classrooms
• Teaching labs for mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering and mechanical engineering technology
• 12 team meeting rooms
• Student common on first and second floors
• Welcome center and focal point for campus-wide STEM outreach