SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine – Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) has once again been recognized as a Military Friendly® School for the 2025-2026 academic year — marking its fifth consecutive year receiving the designation.
This year, SMCC was awarded the prestigious Silver-level distinction, granted to colleges and universities that demonstrate exceptional commitment and effectiveness in supporting students who have served in the military.
To earn the Military Friendly® designation, institutions must meet or exceed benchmarks in several key areas. SMCC exceeded expectations, meeting seven out of seven benchmark standards. Institutions are evaluated based on Academic Policies and Compliance, Admissions and Orientation, Culture and Commitment, Financial Aid and Loan Repayment, Graduation and Career Outcomes, and Military Student Support and Retention.
SMCC earned its highest marks in Military Student Support and Retention, followed closely by Admissions and Orientation — a reflection of the College’s student-centered approach and dedicated services for veterans and military-connected students.
“The Military Friendly designation is not just a badge we wear; it’s a reflection of our ongoing mission to provide meaningful support for those who have served,” said Amy Lainoff, SMCC’s director of veteran and military student services. “Every member of the SMCC community plays a role in creating an environment where military students can thrive.”
The Silver-level award places SMCC among a select group of institutions nationwide that have demonstrated a deep commitment to veterans’ success. The designation is awarded based on public data sources and proprietary survey responses from participating institutions.
SMCC remains the only community college in Maine with a dedicated Veterans Resource Center in The Bay Building on the South Portland Campus. The College continues to expand its support services, ensuring military-affiliated students are welcomed, guided, and celebrated throughout their educational journey.