HOPE & PaS

Higher Opportunity for Pathways to Employment (HOPE) and Parents as Scholars (PaS) are two statewide workforce development programs offered by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). These programs help parents and specified relatives pursue training and education beyond high school to achieve their career plans. A core component of both programs is Pathway Navigator services provided by JMG.

The Maine Resource Center is made available to all students to ensure they have the resources they need to be successful. These resources include academic, career, financial, healthcare, housing, and various other supports, aiming to help Maine families pursue further education and fulfill their career goals.

Higher Opportunity for Pathways to Employment

The Higher Opportunity for Pathways to Employment Program is committed to helping parents and specified relatives reach their educational and career goals by helping cover costs related to school.

Do I Qualify?

  • Are a parent or specified relative of a minor child.

  • Meet the financial qualifications. Have been accepted to or are enrolled at least half-time in a qualifying training or education program beyond high school.

  • If you are enrolled less than half-time, HOPE Program needs to approve this.

  • Are not currently receiving, or someone in your family unit is not currently receiving, a monthly TANF or PaS cash benefit.

  • Are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-U.S. citizen. Many non-citizens are eligible.

  • Are a Maine resident between the ages of 16 through 64.

  • Do not already have a marketable bachelor's degree in Maine.

  • Are making satisfactory progress in your training or education program (based on your school's standards) and you are on track to graduate.

You might be eligible for the HOPE Program if you:

How HOPE may help

HOPE may assist qualifying parents with costs related to training and education including:

  • Tuition and fees

  • Prior tuition and fees preventing you from reenrolling in school

  • Books, supplies, tools, and equipment

  • Child care

  • Transportation

  • Auto repairs, registration, insurance, and inspection

  • Computer or other technology

  • Internet

  • Dental care (if needed to help you stay in school

  • Other costs related to school

PaS

Parents as Scholars

Parents as Scholars is a monthly benefit through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) that helps parents and specified relatives working through a two- or four-year degree-granting program.

Do I Qualify?

You might be eligible for the PaS Program if you:

  • Are eligible for a TANF cash benefit

  • Are a Maine resident 16 and older

  • Are a parent or specified relative of a minor child who is living with you

  • Are a U.S. Citizen or non-citizen

  • Are attending or accepted into a 2- or 4-year education program beyond high school and are making satisfactory progress

  • Lack a bachelor's degree marketable in Maine

How PaS Can Help

PaS may assist qualifying parents with costs related to training and education including:

  • Tuition and fees

  • Prior tuition and fees preventing you from reenrolling in school

  • Books, supplies, tools, and equipment

  • Child care

  • Transportation

  • Internet

  • Auto repairs, registration, insurance, and inspection

  • Dental care (if needed to help you stay in school

  • Other costs related to school

JMG Pathway Navigator Support

The HOPE and PaS programs both include student Pathway Navigator services provided by JMG.

Our Pathway Navigators can help by:

  • Offering support while you are on your educational journey

  • Answering any questions and addressing your concerns

  • Checking in on a monthly basis to see how you’re doing

  • Connecting you with HOPE or PaS for funding support

  • Referring you to school and community resources for assistance

  • Troubleshooting when you have problems or concerns related to school

  • Helping you transfer to other higher education institutions

  • Assisting with applying for financial aid and completion of financial aid forms

  • Helping you understand your student bills and fees

  • Referring you to additional scholarships and funding sources

  • Talking with you about your classes, progress, and plans for your next semester

  • Guiding your selection and registration for classes

  • Ensuring you are on track with your studies

Interested in learning more about our support for HOPE and PaS?

Meet the JMG HOPE & PaS Team

Kara Boone
HOPE/PaS Program Director

  • kboone@jmg.org

    Kara.Boone@maine.gov

    (207) 459-8192

  • BA, Rehabilitation Services, University of Maine Farmington

    JMG Since 2005

  • JMG allows me to work with kids in a way that truly makes a difference each day. I've been given the opportunity to now work with foster care youth; a very unique group of young people who work so hard to overcome personal struggles. It's a privilege to be a part of that work and be a support to them in the work they're doing for themselves.

Shannon Micklus
HOPE/PaS Program Coordinator

Jasmine Bassett
Pathway Navigator

Hilary Belanger
Pathway Navigator

Taylor Houdlette
Pathway Navigator

She/They/Them

Audrey Kimball
Pathway Navigator

She/Her/Hers

Lauren Lobikis
Pathway Navigator

She/Her/Hers

Bobbi-Jo Seamans
Pathway Navigator

Carissa Taggett
Pathway Navigator