STCC provided affordable, inspiring start for student who transferred to George Washington University

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – When she graduated from Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School in South Hadley, Sydney Rachael Levin-Epstein knew she would one day pursue a bachelor’s degree from a four-year university.

She did get a bachelor’s in political science from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.  But before she enrolled at GWU, she decided to take several classes at Springfield Technical Community College.

Levin-Epstein, 26, who grew up in Longmeadow, chose STCC because it was the most affordable way to start her higher education journey.

“STCC just made sense financially, geographically – it’s not that far from Longmeadow – and it was a great fit for me,” said Levin-Epstein.

“I took a fantastic biology course where we did experiments in the field,” she added. “We were able to go to different parks within Western Massachusetts and conduct real time research, which turned out to be very interesting and fascinating. Had I not taken that biology course, I don’t think I would have had a strong background in science or an interest in looking at STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) courses.”

Levin-Epstein completed seven classes at STCC in 2012-13 and transferred credits to GWU. Since graduating from GWU in 2017, she has worked as an aide in the Massachusetts Congressional delegation, with U.S. Rep Richard E. Neal and U.S. Sen. Ed Markey. In 2020, she helped Markey get re-elected.

She then joined the campaign of Jon Ossoff, who was running for a U.S. Senate seat in Georgia. He won in a runoff election in January 2021.

Levin-Epstein has deep roots in Western Massachusetts and wants to continue to give back. Her father is from Holyoke. Her mother works in Springfield. Her family owned Jonathan’s Sportsworld, a sporting goods store in Hadley that closed a few years ago.

STCC just made sense financially, geographically – it’s not that far from Longmeadow – and it was a great fit for me. Sydney Rachael Levin-Epstein, Former STCC student

“I grew up behind that counter,” Levin-Epstein said. “I learned how to string a tennis racket before I could tie my shoes.”

She said her experience working at Jonathan’s Sportsworld and watching her father build the business – and then make the tough decision to close the doors – helped her gain an appreciation for the importance of supporting local businesses.

She was able to connect her passion for supporting businesses after she was selected in a region-wide competition to serve as Miss Western Massachusetts. She was crowned in November 2019 and represented Western Mass for the next year.

“It was an honor,” she said. “The real takeaway was that I got to create fantastic relationships with businesses. My entire mission was focused on cultivating communities through small businesses in the Pioneer Valley during the pandemic.”

Levin-Epstein sees STCC as an important anchor in the community, an institution that helps drive the Western Massachusetts economy. Entrepreneurs can get knowledge through the business program or take advantage of workforce development training. As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC offers unique programs in health, advanced manufacturing, STEM, social services and more.

“I’m really rooting for STCC. I really believe that community colleges benefit our society in the most meaningful ways,” Levin-Epstein said. “I want to see students have positive experiences here (at STCC) where they are able to grow. Because at the end of the day, community colleges and vocational training help prepare students for jobs.”

Richard Greco, dean of the School of Liberal and Professional Studies at STCC, said community colleges can open doors to prestigious colleges and universities around the country.

“While we always hope that a student will complete an associate degree at STCC to achieve the full benefit of the financial value that community colleges offer, Sydney is an example of how community colleges grant access to students to some of the best colleges and universities in the country such as George Washington University,” Greco said. “Whether it be taking classes to build academic confidence and demonstrate to other institutions that a student can withstand the rigors of higher education or completing courses to decrease cost and reduce loans, community colleges again prove that they are the best place for students to begin their academic journey.

Levin-Epstein said STCC provided a “world class education” that prepared her to succeed at George Washington University.

“The professors here had the bandwidth to invest in my academic personal and professional growth,” she said.

Asked to offer advice to a new student at STCC, she said, “Take advantage of every opportunity provided at STCC.”

“Professors here care so much,” Levin-Epstein said. “My experience is that if you go to a professor and say, ‘I need help with this or I have question’ … the professors will give you the time of day. You’re not just another person in a 300 person lecture hall. They’re willing to invest their time.”

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 unequalled 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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