STCC to lead higher ed partnership to advance racial equity

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College received a $250,000 state grant to work with other higher education institutions in Western Massachusetts to increase faculty’s core equity competencies and knowledge about racial equity, social justice and structures that have an impact on student success.

Announced by the Healey-Driscoll Administration on May 28, the Massachusetts Higher Education Innovation Fund grant from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education will support professional development for faculty and staff at STCC and partner institutions. The goal of the project is to help underserved and underrepresented students – especially students of color –succeed along their academic journey, from applying to STCC to graduation.

“In Massachusetts, we’re proud to have significantly expanded access to higher education, including historic increases in financial aid, but work remains to ensure that students of all backgrounds have the resources and support they need to start and succeed in their higher education journey,” Gov. Maura Healey said in the May 28 announcement. “This investment reflects our commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and experiences for all students, particularly for our Black and Hispanic students.”

Initiating a second year of training, STCC will lead the project in partnership with Berkshire and Holyoke Community Colleges, Springfield College, and Westfield State University to raise the equity agenda across campuses throughout Western Massachusetts. Participants will receive a stipend for 15 to 20 hours of participation.

Faculty and staff from each institution will engage in comprehensive training programs designed to enhance their awareness of racial equity issues and their ability to integrate principles of social justice into their teaching practices.

Mary Wiseman, Director of Instructional Innovation and Faculty Investment, said the college started the project with a grant last year to advance the priorities of the state Department of Higher Education.

“We have a proven record at STCC. We have already trained many of our faculty and staff,” Wiseman said. “Working with our college and university partners, we strive to exchange ideas and learn with and from each other as we gain more knowledge, enhance our skills and advance the equity agenda across all our campuses.”

Working with our college and university partners, we strive to exchange ideas and learn with and from each other as we gain more knowledge, enhance our skills and advance the equity agenda across all our campuses. Mary Wiseman, Director, Instruction Innovation and Faculty Investment

Wiseman said that the goal of the initiative is to make classrooms inclusive spaces where students feel welcomed and connected to the faculty and curriculum.

Faculty and staff at participating institutions will join a core coaching group known as Equity Leaders & Guides who will train in equity-minded practices.

Dr. Christopher Thuot, Vice President of Academic Affairs at STCC, said the important initiative is tied to the college’s mission to support students as they transform their lives.  It also aligns with STCC's Strategic Plan, Momentum 2023-2028, which centers the college's commitment to equity and inclusion.

“This alliance represents a proactive response to the pressing need for educational institutions to address systemic inequalities and foster inclusive learning environments,” Thuot said. “By equipping faculty and staff across the consortium with the tools to navigate and dismantle barriers to student achievement, the initiative seeks to cultivate a more equitable educational ecosystem. I am grateful for the leadership of Mary Wiseman, Director of Instructional Innovation and Faculty Investment, and Ashley Pease, Associate Professor, Psychology, Coordinator of Behavioral Sciences, and the engagement and commitment of the 2024 Equity Leaders and Guides participants.”

The faculty will work together to discover new teaching techniques. They will attend workshop training with the Collaborative for Educational Services, CES Northampton.

STCC, which has a technical focus in all of its programs, is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution. Approximately 34 percent of the student body are Latino, Latina or Latinx.

STCC has supported several diversity, equity and inclusion efforts over recent years, including but not limited to the formation of the Anti-Racism and Inclusion Alliance and the creation of an equity agenda for each of the three academic schools.

The college offers an open-access Health Science degree which provides students, including those from underserved populations, with exposure to health care careers. STCC’s first year experience courses help prepare students to achieve success in a college setting.

In addition, some of STCC’s degree programs such as photonics and dental hygiene are not offered anywhere else in the region.

STCC also offers a number of programs to support underserved students:

• Early College
• Gateway to College
• STEM Starter Academy
• Male Initiative for Leadership in Education (MILE)
• Female Leadership and Mentoring (LEAD)
• TRIO Student Support Services
• The Center for Access Services
• The Diversity Speaker and Performance Series
• College for Kids summer programs

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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