AUGUSTA – Bowdoin College and the University of Maine have formed an engineering educational partnership.

Bowdoin President Barry Mills and University of Maine President Robert Kennedy announced the partnership along with Governor John E. Baldacci.

“Maine’s economy needs highly trained and well-prepared thinkers, people who can push the limits in today’s technology- and innovation-based industries,” said Governor Baldacci. “I look forward to tracking the progress of this cooperative, and know that it will serve the needs of some of Maine’s best and brightest students.”

In the program, students will begin their course work at Bowdoin. For three years, they will participate in the liberal arts program at the college. Those who are successful can transfer to the University of Maine for two years of intense engineering education. Upon completion of the five-year program, students graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin and an engineering degree from Maine.