“Schenectady County Community College provides quality, comprehensive education for transfer, careers, training and workforce development to a diverse population in a student-centered environment...”
Community colleges help to sustain the entrepreneurial life’s blood that so many in mid-size to
small communities depend upon, fueling increased job creation. Along with the economic health, community colleges safeguard the security and well-being of our community, by credentialing 80% of the nation’s first responders (police officers, emergency medical technicians, and fire fighters) and preparing more than 60% of the nation’s health care professionals (nurses, physical therapy assistants and respiratory therapists). As we all work to put America’s house in order, investing in community colleges represents an intelligent and responsible step for all local, state, and national policy makers to consider.
So, where do we go from here? The answer was succinctly made by President Obama when he
said recently that “community colleges play an important role in helping people transition between careers by providing the retooling they need to take on a new career.” Therefore, it is vitally important for community colleges to be well prepared to assist students to access higher education and/or to seek workforce training for a new career. At the same time, community colleges must also improve the student success rate, align job preparation to job market needs and strengthen the transition between high schools and higher education.
To enhance SCCC’s readiness and response to “Reclaiming the American Dream – Commu-
nity Colleges and the Nation’s Future,” we developed an audacious vision.
Schenectady County Commu-
nity College is committed to being a premier community college that empowers individuals to reach their greatest potential through exceptional and innovative education and training. To support our vision, we revised our Mission Statement to say “Schenectady County Community College provides quality, comprehensive education for transfer, careers, training and workforce development to a diverse population in a student-centered environment.
We are committed to accessible and affordable education.
Utilizing innovative practices and contemporary technology, SCCC fosters success through excellence in teaching and services.” Our Vision and Mission Statements acknowledge the institution as the premier community college and economic engine for the Capital Region. We are committed to access, teaching excellence, lifelong learning, partnership building, and economic development.
24
SCCC Annual Report 2013