Rockland Community College

Rockland Community College stands as a vital public institution, established in 1959 to serve the burgeoning needs of Rockland County. It was founded during a period of remarkable growth, designed to be an accessible pathway to higher education and skilled employment for a rapidly expanding local population.

The establishment of RCC was a direct response to a community experiencing significant transformation. Between 1956 and 1970, Rockland's population was one of the fastest growing in New York State, with high school graduates projected to more than triple. This surge created a pressing demand for a skilled workforce in major local industries like Avon Products and Lederle Laboratories, and critically, for the expanding healthcare sector at Nyack Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital, which warranted a dedicated nursing program. A significant 69% of parents polled at the time expressed interest in a local community college, underscoring its foundational relevance.

Academically, RCC offers forward-thinking opportunities, notably through its High School Program, launched in 2010. This innovative initiative allows high school students to take college-level courses within their own schools, with curriculum oversight and instruction provided by Rockland Community College academic departments and qualified college adjuncts. Participation in the New York Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NYCEP) further enhances these offerings, ensuring a high standard of concurrent enrollment programs throughout SUNY community colleges and providing students a valuable head start on their college careers.