ME LD471

Department of Education, Department of Labor, and University of Maine System must establish a 2-year pilot program for intensive English language learner programs at University of Maine and University of Southern Maine for individuals age 16+ whose primary language is not English

Enrollment capped at 150 students per semester in year one and 300 per semester in year two (maximum 900 total), with full-time instruction defined as 18-20 hours weekly; each student receives a computer or tablet

Stipends provided to enrolled students for child care, transportation, and living expenses for those not receiving TANF or municipal general assistance; stipend receipt does not affect eligibility for those assistance programs

University of Maine System must award full scholarships or tuition waivers for USM's Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages online accelerated master's degree program, with recipients required to teach in Maine ELL programs for a specified period

University of Maine System must submit interim report by January 15, 2027 and final report by January 15, 2028 covering student numbers by county, employment outcomes, barriers, and recommendations for the program's future