Maine education statutes (MRS 20-A §257-A, sub-§1-A) make special provisions to a 4th-year secondary school student who is unable to obtain a locally awarded diploma due to a significant interruption of education resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and civil emergency during the student’s secondary school education history.
Please note: The COVID-19 pandemic-related diploma was initially set to automatically expire on September 1, 2023 but has been extended as a result of LD 873 "An Act to Continue the Department of Education Diploma Program Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic". The pandemic-related diploma program is now set to expire on September 1, 2026.
![graduation Cap](/doe/sites/maine.gov.doe/files/inline-images/graduation%20cap.jpg)
Maine Department of Education Diploma
It is critical when students experience an educational interruption, that everyone involved with the student is committed to keeping them on a pathway toward graduation.
Occasionally, in spite of everyone’s best collaborative efforts and support, and due to circumstances beyond control, educational interruptions become a barrier to meeting local graduation requirements for a student.
A 4th-year secondary student who is unable to obtain a locally awarded diploma due to the significant interruption of education resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and civil emergency may apply for this diploma if they can provide evidence that they have fulfilled the following core state requirements:
English
- Four (4) years or the equivalent in standards achievement
Social Studies & History
- Two (2) years or the equivalent in standards achievement, including American history, government, civics, and personal finance.
Mathematics
- Two (2) years of the equivalent in standards achievement
Science
- Two (2) years or the equivalent in standards achievement, including one year of laboratory study
Fine Arts
- One (1) year or the equivalent in standard achievement
If you believe you, or a student in your care, is eligible to receive the Maine Department of Education Diploma you will need to complete the following prior to completing the application below.
- Determine if you are able to meet the diploma requirements in your local school district.
- If you are unable to meet the diploma requirements as outlined in your school district, have your transcripts reviewed by a school or district employee. Be sure to note the name and contact information of the individual. The school principal or guidance counselor for example would be able to assist.
- The school or district employee when reviewing transcripts ensure courses completed meet the minimum requirements under 20-A MRS §4722.
- Have a letter drafted on school/district letterhead by the school or district verifying:
- you are unable to meet the diploma requirements in your local school district due to the significant interruption of education resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and civil emergency
- your transcripts demonstrate meeting the requirements under 20-A MRS §4722 for a Maine Department of Education Diploma
- you have completed your 4th-year as a secondary school student
Application for a Maine Department of Education Diploma - Educational Interruption Diploma (COVID-19)
![Graduation Caps](/doe/sites/maine.gov.doe/files/inline-images/caps.png)
Contact
Jason C. Libby, Ph.D.
Education Pathways and Early College
Email: jason.libby@maine.gov