Rockland Community College
Suffern, NY
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Rockland Community College
Rockland Community College: Building futures, empowering communities since 1959.
Rockland Community College stands as a vital public institution, dedicated to providing accessible higher education and serving as a cornerstone for workforce development in Rockland County. Since its inception, RCC has been instrumental in preparing students for successful careers and seamless transitions to four-year universities, reflecting its deep commitment to local educational and economic needs.
The college was founded in 1959 during a period of remarkable growth in Rockland County. Between 1956 and 1970, the county's population was projected to double, and the number of high school graduates was set to significantly increase. This rapid expansion, coupled with a pressing demand for skilled workers from major local industries like Avon Products and Lederle Laboratories, and the growing needs of hospitals such as Nyack and Good Samaritan, directly led to RCC's establishment. A substantial 69% of parents expressed interest in their children attending a local community college, underscoring the community's clear need for affordable and relevant higher education options.
Academically, Rockland Community College was designed with a focus on practical application and community benefit. Its strong connection to local industry and healthcare needs is exemplified by programs like its nursing offering, directly addressing the workforce requirements of area hospitals. Moreover, the innovative Rockland Community College High School Program, launched in 2010, allows high school students to earn college credits taught by college adjuncts directly in their high schools, providing a valuable head start on their higher education journey and ensuring academic rigor.
Students at RCC benefit from an education that is intrinsically linked to the region's employment landscape, offering clear pathways to local jobs or further academic pursuits. The college's commitment to quality, community engagement, and student success ensures a supportive and enriching educational experience for all who walk through its doors.
Key Highlights
- ✦Established in 1959 to meet the rising demand for higher education in a rapidly growing Rockland County.
- ✦Founded in response to a projected doubling of county population and a significant increase in high school graduates between 1956 and 1970.
- ✦Directly addressed the need for skilled workers in major local industries like Avon Products and Lederle Laboratories.
- ✦Plays a crucial role in developing the local healthcare workforce, notably through its nursing program, supporting hospitals such as Nyack and Good Samaritan.
- ✦Operates a High School Program, launched in 2010, allowing high school students to earn college credits taught by college adjuncts.
- ✦Participates in the New York Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NYCEP), fostering collaboration among SUNY community colleges.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
1 notable schools within Rockland Community College
Rockland Community College High School Program
Begun in 2010, this program allows high school students to earn college credits from college-adjunct faculty, with curriculum and assessments overseen by RCC academic departments.
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