First Lady Jill Biden visited Southern Maine Community College in South Portland on Wednesday as part of the Biden administration’s “Investing in America” tour.

Dr. Biden was joined by Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and Portland Mayor Kate Snyder.

Dr. Biden, who is a community college professor herself, toured some of SMCC’s trade programs, including the automotive program. She also discussed the state’s free community college program, which offers two years of tuition-free education for high school graduates.

Gov. Janet Mills was scheduled to join Dr. Biden but had to cancel after testing positive for COVID-19 for the second time.

Dr. Biden praised Mills for her leadership and said the free community college program was aligned with President Biden’s goals for education and workforce development. She said investing in community colleges was vital for creating good-paying jobs and strengthening the economy.

Dr. Biden also visited Vermont on Wednesday to highlight an aerospace technology company.