Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP)
Maine Department of Labor
Up to $10,000 a year for lower-income Maine adults training for high-wage, in-demand jobs, plus help with child care, transportation and books.
- How much
- up to $10,000 per year full time; up to $5,000 per year part time
- Who qualifies
- Maine resident, 18+ or high school graduate; no marketable postsecondary degree; household income under 275% of federal poverty level; program leads to an approved high-wage, in-demand occupation; work authorization not required.
- For adults going back to school, undergrads, trade school students
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Open now Applications accepted during open periods set by available funding; open as of October 2026.
- How to apply
- Create or log in to a Maine JobLink account, answer the Training Assistance questions, and complete the CSSP online application
- Local CareerCenters can help if you can't apply online
- What you'll need
- state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (myworksourcemaine.gov) and page 2
The details
Pays tuition and fees not covered by other aid (including federal aid) for two- and four-year degrees or employer-recognized credentials leading to occupations on Maine DOL's high-wage, in-demand list, and can also help with child care, transportation, books, supplies, equipment and remedial/prerequisite training. Eligible: Maine residents who are 18 or older or have graduated high school, lack a marketable postsecondary degree, have household income under 275% of the federal poverty level, and can complete the program (an assessment may be used). Work authorization is not required. Up to $10,000 per year full time or $5,000 per year part time for each year in the program, based on unmet need. A grant, not a loan.
More money from Maine
- Doctors for Maine's Future Scholarshipup to 50% of cost of attendance or $25,000 per year, whichever is less
- Maine State Grant Programup to $2,500 per year (2026-27); up to $1,250 for half-time to less-than-full-time students
- Maine Free College Scholarship (Maine Community College System)100% of tuition after federal and state grants (class of 2026+); 100% of tuition and mandatory fees (2024 and 2025 graduates)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: New Hampshire
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.