SUNY Westchester Community College

Discover SUNY Westchester Community College (WCC), a vibrant public community college dedicated to "Building Minds, Building Futures" in Valhalla, New York. With a bustling student body of over 9,700, WCC offers an accessible and supportive pathway to higher education, led by President Belinda S. Miles. It stands as a testament to community commitment, providing vital educational opportunities across Westchester County and beyond.

WCC's roots stretch back to 1946 when it began as the New York Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences in White Plains. When the state planned to close these technical institutes in 1953, the Westchester community rallied, ensuring its survival and transformation into Westchester Community College on September 1st of that year. This pivotal moment, driven by local support, cemented its mission to serve the region's educational needs, with a unique funding model sharing costs between the state, county, and students.

Academically, WCC hit the ground running, initially offering Associate of Applied Sciences degrees in practical fields like business administration, building construction, and various technologies including electrical, mechanical, and industrial chemistry. Early programs also catered to food administration and medical-dental office work, complemented by essential instruction in English, mathematics, and social sciences. The college quickly became a comprehensive educational hub, expanding its reach through evening courses, although these initially did not count towards a degree.

Beyond the classroom, WCC fostered a lively student experience from its earliest days, with extracurricular activities spanning music, golf, basketball, track, chess, radio, and photography. This blend of rigorous academics and engaging campus life, coupled with a committed faculty earning competitive salaries, established WCC as a cornerstone of learning. The institution's journey, from its humble beginnings in Battle Hill School to its expansive Valhalla campus, showcases its enduring dedication to providing affordable, high-quality education and a vibrant community for all its students.