The Maine Department of Labor has updated the Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP) rules to implement recent statutory changes, expand participant supports, improve program flexibility, and clarify program requirements. The revised rules took effect on August 2, 2026.

Some of the most significant changes include:

• Expanded monthly stipend eligibility. More students may now qualify for a monthly CSSP stipend because income eligibility limits have increased.
• Partial stipends for part-time students. Eligible part-time students may now receive a prorated monthly stipend based on their enrollment status and income.
• Expanded support services. Eligible participants may qualify for increased assistance with transportation, vehicle repairs, and other necessary needs under higher support service funding limits.
• Expanded educational opportunities. Eligibility has also been expanded for applicants with pre-existing preparatory associate degree programs.
• Improved program clarity and accessibility. The revised rules simplify eligibility requirements, clarify appeal rights, improve communication preferences, and increase transparency regarding the High-Wage, In-Demand Occupations list.
• New CSSP Cohort funding opportunities. Training providers and their partners will be invited to apply for CSSP Cohort funding. The Maine Department of Labor will host a listening session to gather feedback on implementation before issuing a Request for Applications (RFA) for pilot cohort programs.

For those interested in reviewing the complete rule changes, including the final adopted rule, tracked changes, and the Department's Summary of Comments and Responses from the rulemaking process, please visit the Maine Department of Labor Rulemaking webpage.

CSSP Cohort Listening Session

Community members interested in learning more about the CSSP Cohort model are invited to join a listening session on Sept. 18, at 10 a.m., to share ideas, discuss opportunities to expand access, and help identify implementation priorities.

Click here to register for the Zoom session.

Current CSSP participants will receive a separate email describing the rule changes and inviting them to schedule a meeting with their CSSP case manager to review whether they may qualify for additional benefits under the new rules