Gateway to College at STCC sparks passion for a criminal justice career
Axsel Rodriguez
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – When he earned his degree from Springfield Technical Community College, Axsel Rodriguez achieved what no one in his family had done before.
But getting there was not an easy journey for him.
“I’m the first in my family to ever get a degree, so I was never able to ask aunts, uncles or parents, how do you apply for FAFSA (federal student aid)? How do you apply for college classes? What should I do to get a degree?” Rodriguez said.
He said he might not have been able to succeed without the help from Gateway to College at STCC, an alternative to a traditional high school experience that gives students the opportunity to complete their high school graduation requirements at a college-based program while simultaneously earning college credits.
After attending The Springfield Renaissance School, Rodriguez applied to Gateway because he saw an affordable pathway to a college degree that offered support he needed.
“I loved the college atmosphere,” he said. “Gateway has amazing staff. Not only do they help you get your high school diploma, but they help you adapt to the college life. They show you how to apply for schools, how to apply for classes.
“They help you balance your work life and your school life,” he said.
The Gateway to College scholarship covers the cost of tuition, books and fees. Students work with an academic counselor dedicated to their success. To be eligible to apply for the program, students must live in Springfield. Students in Agawam may be eligible to enter the program through a referral.
“Axsel was an absolute star when he was with us at Gateway,” said Anita Gallers, an academic counselor. “He worked so hard to make his family proud – and his Gateway family too. He graduated from our program in January 2019, joined the military and has also earned his associate degree from STCC.”
Katara Robinson, director of Gateway, said the program is ideal for students who face challenges in a traditional high school for any number of reasons. They may have left school before finishing or may be attending homeschool or a school other than the public school.
We celebrate Axsel and his success, and look forward to hearing about future accomplishments as he continues on his journey after STCC.Katara Robinson, Director, Gateway to College at STCC
"We celebrate Axsel and his success, and look forward to hearing about future accomplishments as he continues on his journey after STCC," Robinson said.
Rodriguez’s parents emigrated from Mexico shortly before he was born in Springfield 21 years ago. They did not go to college. Having earned his associate degree and pursuing a professional career in law enforcement, he hopes to be a role model to his two younger brothers.
Rodriguez serves as a military police officer in the Army Reserves. He plans on re-enlisting but also is considering a career working for a police or sheriff’s department.
“I always wanted to help my community,” Rodriguez said.
He studied criminal justice at STCC, a two-year program intended for students looking to move into careers in law enforcement, corrections or working in courts. Some students pursue law degrees after the STCC criminal justice program.
Rodriguez enjoyed the classes and professors in the criminal justice program at STCC.
“The faculty are amazing,” he said. “One is a retired (police officer). One is a lawyer. One has a master’s degree in criminal justice. I love the way they teach their classes. They talk about their own experiences. We wouldn’t just read a book. We would have open discussions.”
Criminal justice professor Daniel Hebert, who is a lawyer, said he was proud of Rodriguez and encourages anyone thinking of a career in law enforcement to consider the criminal justice program.
“Our two-year program is an affordable path to a law enforcement career,” Hebert said. “Graduates of the program understand the legal, technical and practical aspects of law enforcement procedures. We prepare them for demanding yet rewarding careers where they can make a meaningful difference in their community.”
Rodriguez said he was impressed by the quality and depth of the STCC criminal justice program.
“We took psychology classes, which helps you to understand how people react to things and how to use that in the real world, because anything can happen,” he said. “The criminal justice program at STCC was a good environment and they pushed you as well. The classes were different. We would write papers on old case studies.”
Rodriguez looked back on his time at STCC, which started with Gateway to College, as a rewarding and transformative experience. He plans to transfer to Westfield State University this fall to pursue his bachelor’s degree.
“I hope my experience helps people understand that they can do it, no matter if the odds are against you,” he said. “Education will always be there. Once you get that degree in your hands, it’s just a sigh of relief. You’ll say to yourself, ‘Wow! I actually did this.”
Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu