History

In 1991, the 115th Maine Legislature established a commission to study the need for a technical

college in York County. Subsequent studies, including one conducted in 1994 by the Department

of Labor, of 4,300 employers, confirmed that industries needed a better-trained workforce. Studies

also revealed that Wells was the most central location for the main campus.

Established in 1994 by the 116th Maine Legislature, York County Community College (originally

know as York County Technical College) was a grass roots college from local business and

industry individuals who identified a new for technical college. A group of York County business

leaders met informally to discuss a need that had become apparent and it was clear that York

County, among the state's fastest growing counties, needed a technical college.

On September 5, 1995, YCTC opened its doors in a leased facility in Wells with 156 students and

three associate degrees and two certificate programs. Today, the college has grown to an annual

enrollment of 925 students and serves an additional 1,100 students annually through continuing

education and workshops.

In December of 1995, YCTC received candidacy accreditation status from the New England

Association of Schools and Colleges and in 1999 the College was awarded full accreditation

status.

In February of 1996, the US Department of Education grants approval for YCTC to offer Federal

Financial Aid, which makes affordable education an option for many.

In May 1996, YCTC graduated its first class with seven students receiving certificates. Now, the

college has graduated over 400 individuals in degree and certificate programs.

In February 1997, ground is broken on a permanent 51,000 square-foot building and on November

3, 1997, classes begin in the new building with over 500 students enrolled in 15 programs.

In November 1999, the College receives $4.3 million from a bond to expand the college facilities.

In October 2000, ground is broken on a 26,000 square-foot addition to its current building. In

October 2001, the college officially opens its new addition to the building and expands it facility

to 77,000 square-feet.

In July 2003, YCTC becomes York County Community College as the state's technical colleges

expanded its mission to a true community college where people in Maine will have an increased

access to college which will ultimately improve incomes, enhance skills, and strengthen Maine's

economy.

In May of 2005, YCCC received initial accreditation from the Commission on Institutions of

Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), a step that

completed the College’s transition from a technical college (then accredited by the Commission on

Technical and Career Institutions division of NEASC).

That same year, the College was awarded a major grant from the U.S. Department of Education to

establish a TRIO Student Support Services project.

In August 2006, Charles M. Lyons was appointed as YCCC’s fourth President by the Maine

Community College System Board of Trustees.

In January 2007, the first cohort of Nursing students began their studies on campus through a

partnership program between YCCC and Southern Maine Community College. That fall, YCCC

officially opened its Learning Center.

The College offered the first full year of a new degree program in Criminal Justice.

YCCC initiated a new degree program in Medical Assisting.

At the close of the spring 2009 semester, YCCC’s graduates, from its inception, numbered 827,

with many now serving in leadership positions in business, industry, education and other sectors