• Is SMCC Ready to Make an Impact in the Upcoming Election?

    Is SMCC Ready to Make an Impact in the Upcoming Election?

    A blue wave has just hit Southern Maine Community College, or so it would seem. Throughout the United States of America, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have engaged in a fierce competition to become the next President of the United States . With election season upon us, The Beacon set out to see who the… Read more

  • There’s an App for That!

    There’s an App for That!

    The eclectic posting on the SMCC App These days, every college and university has their own mobile app; SMCC is no different, with an app that shows all sorts of useful information like your course schedule, events happening on campus, and even a link to this very publication. Other schools’ apps that The Beacon looked… Read more

  • Free Community College, But Not For Everyone?

    Graduates from the class of 2022-2025 are eligible for free community college in Maine, but other classes aren’t offered this benefit. How is this fair? If this benefit extended to more students, there would be a huge increase in the number of students getting their degrees and attending college. Maine’s free community college program was… Read more

  • Black Bear Advantage or Disadvantage Program?

    Black Bear Advantage or Disadvantage Program?

    Moving from a two-year associate’s degree to a four-year bachelor’s degree is a huge transition and can be very challenging for students. Many struggle with figuring out how to keep all their credits intact. Luckily, the University of Maine is offering a program that helps students with this transition called the “Black Bear Advantage” program.… Read more

  • Portland Sees an Alarming Rise in Fatal Firearms Incidents 

    Portland Sees an Alarming Rise in Fatal Firearms Incidents 

     Violent crime is a problem in most major cities, but people rarely think of Portland Maine as having a crime problem. This is a mistake. The Rate of gun deaths has increased by 9% from 2011- 2020, alarming many residents, business owners and police officers.  Portland, Maine has been considered fairly safe to residents, however… Read more

  • Running up that Hill –  acknowledging the unhoused community in Portland, Maine

    Running up that Hill –  acknowledging the unhoused community in Portland, Maine

    If you walk through the heart of Portland, Maine, you’ll always find something to take in.   Within a few feet from the arts district, in between two empty buildings, beneath a concrete awning, a man lays under a jaded tarp – unconscious. The orange caps from syringes fill cracks of brick road; tossed at storefronts,… Read more