Bangor Savings Bank Partners with Maine Colleges to Provide Free Digital News Subscriptions to Students, Faculty and Staff

AUGUSTA — Thousands of college students, faculty and staff across Maine will gain free access to local journalism this fall through a new initiative aimed at strengthening civic engagement and supporting informed communities.

Bangor Savings Bank has partnered with the Maine Trust for Local News to provide complimentary one-year digital subscriptions to students, faculty and staff at the University of Maine System, Maine Community College System, Husson University and Thomas College. The subscriptions will include access to the Portland Press Herald, Sun Journal, Morning Sentinel and Kennebec Journal.

Gavin Robinson, senior vice president and community relations manager at Bangor Savings Bank, said the partnership reflects a commitment to investing in Maine's future.

"Strong communities depend on people who are informed, connected and engaged," Robinson said. "By helping provide access to trusted local news, we are investing in civic engagement and the long-term strength of our communities. Local journalism helps everyone better understand the opportunities and decisions shaping the places where they live, learn and work."

Through the program, recipients will register via an online portal and receive digital access across desktop and mobile devices. Subscriptions will include local and statewide news, investigative reporting, business coverage, sports, arts, opinion content and access to publication archives.

Maine Community College System President David Daigler said the subscriptions will be particularly valuable to students who plan to build careers in the state.

"Maine's community college students tend to come from—and ultimately stay and work in—their local communities, so having free access to the local news is a real gift," Daigler said. "MCCS graduates go on to be the newest health care workers, emergency responders, tradespeople, business leaders and trusted members of their communities. Staying on top of the news from the start of those careers is a smart move."

Daigler noted that today's students are tomorrow's leaders and expressed gratitude for the initiative.

"We're sure this will enhance our students' personal and professional lives and help them be informed and engaged citizens," he said.

Dr. Lynne Coy-Ogan, president of Husson University, said the subscriptions will allow faculty to seamlessly incorporate current events into their lessons across multiple subject areas.

"This will be an asset to our classes, which can incorporate current events seamlessly into lessons across subject areas," Coy-Ogan said. "We're grateful for this opportunity to reinforce the importance of local news and being an informed citizen."

David Smith, associate director of library services at Thomas College, said the initiative addresses a critical need during a formative period in young adults' lives.

"Accurate, timely information is essential to making the best possible decisions, personal or professional," Smith said. "This program will provide a wonderful resource and a welcome opportunity for students to hone their critical thinking abilities."

Robinson said the effort extends beyond simply providing news—it aims to prepare students to contribute meaningfully to Maine's future.

"Education, access to information and community engagement all help create opportunities for people and communities to thrive," he said.

The subscriptions will be available beginning this fall semester.