Biddeford Center of Technology
May 20, 2026
It is an exciting and celebratory time at COT! As the school year comes to a close, our students continue to achieve incredible milestones. Our seniors are preparing for graduation, students are earning industry certifications and state licenses, and classrooms remain busy with guest speakers, field experiences, hands-on learning opportunities, and meaningful community-based projects. Every day showcases the talent, dedication, and growth of our students and staff.
Please join us for BRCOT’s End-of-the-Year Celebration on Thursday, May 28th at 6:00 p.m. in the Biddeford Middle School (BMS) Performing Arts Center. This special evening celebrates the hard work, accomplishments, and bright futures of our students.
During the celebration, we will honor graduating seniors, recognize students who have completed one-year programs, present Outstanding Student of the Year awards from each program, and award numerous scholarships made possible through the generosity of our donors and community partners. We are deeply grateful for the continued support that helps open doors and create opportunities for our students. We look forward to celebrating together as a school community and recognizing the many accomplishments of the Class of 2026 and all of our outstanding students.
We are inviting students and parents who will be new students starting at BRCOT in September or students who are changing programs to Meet Your Instructor Evening on June 11th from 4:30-6:30pm.
Please continue to read this newsletter to learn more about student successes at the Skills USA competition, Tyler Technologies, and our COT Student of the Year. We have two students heading to the National SkillsUSA Competition. We are proud of all of our students! As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us or your child’s teacher with any questions or concerns at 207-282-1501.
Best Regards,
Paulette Bonneau, Director
Mike Bailey, Asst. Director
Mother Goose Preschool at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT) is now enrolling for the fall season. This affordable, play-based program is designed for children ages 3 and 4 and provides a nurturing environment that supports early learning and development.
The preschool operates as a laboratory program for students in BRCOT’s Teaching & Early Education program and is led under the supervision of instructor Deborah Newman.
The program runs mid-October through mid-May, Tuesday–Friday from 12:30–2:15 p.m., and costs just $40 per month.
For more information or to enroll, apply today, contact 207-282-1501 or dnewman@biddefordschools.me. Limited spots are available.
- 5/22/26: Field Day at BRCOT
- 5/28/26: End-of-year Ceremony, 6pm at BMS Performing Arts Center
- 6/11/26: New Accepted Students Night (Meet Your Instructors), 4:30 PM-6:30 PM
- 6/17/26: Last Day of School
BRCOT proudly recognizes Culinary Arts student Nicholas Poulin as its Student of the Year. Nick was honored at the Maine CTE Student of the Year State Banquet held on May 2, where he celebrated alongside other outstanding students from Career and Technical Education programs across Maine. Nick consistently demonstrates excellence, quiet leadership, and a strong passion for the culinary arts. Throughout his time in the program, he has shown an exceptional work ethic by regularly arriving early to clean and prepare the kitchen and staying late whenever needed to help ensure the success of the program and his classmates.
A dependable and supportive team member, Nick encourages his peers, contributes positively to the learning environment, and takes initiative during high-pressure situations. His dedication extends well beyond the classroom through participation in culinary competitions, community events, and catering opportunities outside of regular school hours. Most importantly, Nick leads by example. His professionalism, adaptability, enthusiasm, and growth mindset make him a role model for fellow students and a true representative of the values of the BRCOT Culinary Arts program.
Congratulations, Nicholas, on this well-deserved recognition and for representing BRCOT with excellence.
Congratulations to Biddeford High School Junior Maxwell House, a computer technology student at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology, for earning first place in the 2026 Maine App Challenge. Maxwell’s innovative app, RunUp, stood out among a record 151 submissions from across the state, showcasing the creativity and technical skills developed through BRCOT’s Computer Technology program. Notably, BRCOT stood out among participating schools, with seven students placing in the competition’s Top 25, more than any other school represented!
Hosted by Tyler Technologies in partnership with the University of Maine, the annual Maine App Challenge invites students across the state to design and develop original mobile applications, blending creativity with real-world technical skills. Maxwell’s work earned him the competition’s top prize, including a $6,000 scholarship, an internship opportunity at Tyler Technologies, and recognition as one of Maine’s top student developers.
BRCOT students recently took part in hands-on fire extinguisher training as part of their OSHA 10 certification, in partnership with the Biddeford Fire Department. This valuable experience gave students the opportunity to learn proper safety techniques and build real-world skills that can make a difference in emergency situations. Thank you to the Biddeford Fire Department for supporting our students and helping prepare the next generation for workplace safety!
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine recently awarded its first-ever #MakeMercyReal TikTok Challenge scholarship to Thornton Academy and BRCOT senior Lindsay Levesque, recognizing her compassion, leadership, and commitment to serving others.
During a special presentation at Thornton Academy, Saint Joseph’s College awarded Lindsay a four-year full-ride scholarship covering tuition, room, and board. Lindsay earned the scholarship through a heartfelt TikTok submission highlighting her experiences as a CNA trainee through her BRCOT clinical hours at St. André Health Care. In her video, she shared how meaningful it is to spend time with seniors in assisted living who may simply need someone to talk to and connect with.
“Lindsay’s story truly embodies what it means to make mercy real,” said representatives from Saint Joseph's College of Maine. “Her kindness, empathy, and dedication to others stood out immediately.” Saint Joseph’s College President Joseph Cassidy emphasized that the scholarship was designed to recognize character and compassion alongside academic achievement. “We aren’t just looking for stats — we’re looking for big hearts,” Cassidy said. “In Lindsay Levesque, Saint Joseph’s College has found a leader who proves that kindness and character are just as valuable as a transcript.”
The #MakeMercyReal challenge encourages students to share stories that demonstrate compassion, service, and community impact, reflecting the Mercy values at the heart of Saint Joseph’s College.
A full article can be viewed: https://sacobaynews.com/local-spotlight-lindsay-levesque.htm
Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT) student William Breault recently signed a full-time apprenticeship agreement with Pratt & Whitney in North Berwick, turning his high school pre-apprenticeship experience into a direct pathway toward a high-skill career in advanced manufacturing. A Thornton Academy student in BRCOT’s Manufacturing Technology program, Breault is the second student from the program to earn an apprenticeship opportunity with the company, highlighting the growing impact of Career and Technical Education partnerships with industry leaders.
BRCOT’s Manufacturing Technology program provides students with hands-on experience in machining, CNC programming, blueprint reading, and advanced manufacturing skills, helping prepare students for college and career success. Approximately 98% of BRCOT graduates continue on to post-secondary education or directly into well-paying careers in the workforce.
Students at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT) are putting their classroom learning into action through hands-on community projects across Biddeford.
Electrical and Plumbing students are currently helping complete work for the new Alternative Pathways Center and the Mayfield Softball storage and concession building. Students have assisted with wiring internet systems, lighting, cameras, power lines, and plumbing infrastructure while gaining valuable real-world experience in the skilled trades.
“These projects give students authentic learning experiences that cannot be replicated in a classroom,” said Michael Bouthillette, Electrical Instructor at BRCOT.
In addition to building technical skills, students are contributing meaningful work that helps support the community and reduce costs for taxpayers.
Through partnerships with local organizations and contractors, BRCOT continues to provide students with opportunities to learn by doing while preparing for future careers in the trades.
A huge thank you to our industry partners at Boise Cascade Building Materials Distribution in the Industrial Park in Saco for their continued support of our students and programs!
The Electrical Technology program at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology is creating real residential-style workspaces that help students develop hands-on skills and prepare for successful careers in the trades after high school.
Students are working with roof trusses, floor trusses, engineered I-joists, and standard framing configurations — giving them experience with the same building methods used in today’s residential and commercial construction industry. These real-world learning opportunities are helping students build confidence, technical skills, and a strong foundation for future careers.
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Contact Us
Paulette Bonneau, Director
Email: paulette.b@biddefordschools.me
Website: https://www.biddefordschools.me/o/brct
Location: 10 Maplewood Avenue, Biddeford, ME, USA
Phone: 207-282-1501
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BiddefordRegionalCenterOfTechnology