STCC president updates lawmakers on enrollment trends and free college program

From left, state Rep. Shirley Arriaga ‘15, state Rep. Orlando Ramos ‘12, STCC President John B. Cook and state Sen. Adam Gomez.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – In a meeting with Springfield-area legislators, Springfield Technical Community College President John B. Cook updated lawmakers on the new free community college program, enrollment trends, strategic planning and fiscal forecasting.

Cook on Oct. 13 welcomed members of the regional legislative delegation for his “fall 2023 outlook” in a meeting held in the STCC Library’s Bennett Reading Room. In attendance were state Reps. Carlos González, Orlando Ramos ‘12, Shirley Arriaga ‘15, and state Sen. Adam Gomez. Representatives for state Sen. Jacob Oliveira and state Rep. Brian Ashe also joined the meeting.

Cook shared positive news about enrollment trends at STCC. He started by highlighting MassReconnect, a program that allows Massachusetts residents 25 years of age and older to earn a degree or certificate for free at STCC or any other public community college in the state. The state has committed $50 million for the program, which includes free enrollment for nursing students of any age.

As of Oct. 20, 201 students were awarded and have accepted MassReconnect, according to STCC admissions officials. More students are expected to enroll through MassReconnect after start Oct. 25, the start of the fall 2 “flex term.”

MassReconnect is helping to drive a bump in enrollment at STCC. About 4,500 are enrolled at STCC in the fall of 2023, which is up from 3,980 a year earlier.

“Enrollment is up about 12 percent, and that is the first meaningful increase in about a decade,” Cook said.

In 2012, STCC had its highest number of students enrolled – about 7,000. Cook explained that the Great Recession prompted a spike in enrollment at community colleges, including at STCC. When companies are hiring, as they are in 2023, community college applications tend to drop off.

“There are a lot of jobs out there, which impacts enrollment,” Cook said.

Cook highlighted STCC programs that are seeing bumps in the number of students in fall 2023 compared to a year earlier. They include key STEM programs such as Engineering Transfer, Energy Systems/HVAC and Nursing. STCC also has seen enrollment increases in Human Services/Social Work and Early College, which offers college credits to high school students.

While the uptick in enrollment over the past year is welcomed news, Cook noted, “We are not out of the woods.” Enrollment dropped significantly at STCC and other higher education institutions during the pandemic. The college has not completely bounced back. There were about 5,000 students at STCC before the pandemic, and that number is now at 4,500.

Enrollment is up about 12 percent, and that is the first meaningful increase in about a decade. Dr. John B. Cook, STCC President

Cook updated lawmakers on the recently launched Strategic Plan for 2023-2028. The plan includes five goals, one of which is to elevate STCC’s technical mission.

The president detailed five institution-supporting awards the college received in December 2022. Of the nearly $6 million received, half came from a $3 million award courtesy of Congressman Richard E. Neil, which will fund the opening of a Cyber Center of Excellence at Union Station in Springfield.

Cook offered an update of the major School of Health and Patient Simulation relocation project. STCC has secured $50 million to move programs housed in Building 20 to Building 2 (Scibelli Hall). It’s anticipated to take three years to build out the new space for the programs, he said. Funding sources include $38 million from the project manager, the state Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), $11.5 million from the STCC Board of Trustees and $500,000 from the STCC Foundation.

Built in 1941, Building 20 has a history of costly emergency repairs. In his updated fiscal forecast, Cook said despite the positive developments at STCC such as MassReconnect and increasing enrollment, a budget deficit is expected to continue at STCC in fiscal year 2028.

After the meeting, lawmakers commented on STCC’s role in the community.

“As a proud alumnus, I can attest that STCC is a state-of-the-art community college in the region,” Rep. Ramos said. “Springfield is fortunate to have a partner like STCC to help us build our future workforce.”

Rep. González said, “Springfield Technical Community College is a bridge that connects dreams to reality, offering affordable and accessible pathways to education and opportunity. STCC has been and will continue to be a foundation for our urban city and beyond. Programs such as MassReconnect will help empower even more people to re-embark on their journeys and transform their lives and communities.”

Sen. Gomez said, “It’s great to hear the momentum-building direction for STCC and its students. I applaud the great work of President Cook and the college with continuing this transformative work.”

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

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