Greenfield Community College has also redefined its role during the last decade. Ten years ago, the school's principal emphasis was preparing students for baccalaureate degrees at four-year colleges and universities. The addition of evening courses has enabled the school to attract people who are changing careers. GCC has expanded its offerings to include computer courses that health care occupation education. We understand the importance of accommodating the student, who is most often a working adult, Wall said.
Programs focus on enabling students to redirect their working lives.
The school also has a Career Resource Center, which is staffed by a fulltime person. As for the future, Wall said GCC workforce development, entry-level training and adult literacy will grow in importance. While he and his co-founder brought considerable expertise to the establishment and growth of JavaNet, Epstein said it was the move to STCC last year that allowed his company's phenomenal growth. STCC offered convenient training for JavaNet workers, a steady supply of students who have become skilled new workers, engineering expertise from the faculty on setting up a computer room, and a nine-year lease on space equipped with the electronic lines an Internet access provider needs. STCC also has a contract with Verizon to teach the phone company's employees in courses on advancing technology, changing marketplace realities and customer service skills.