MWCC e-News

March 11, 2014
In This Issue
Governor Patrick Announces $500,000 Grant to MWCC to Support Science and Technology Programs
HED Secretary Greg Bialecki Tours MWCC's Advanced Manufacturing Center
Free Adult Basic Education Courses Available to Prepare for New HiSET exam
The Indian Hill Big Band will Present a Free Jazz Concert at MWCC
Upcoming Events
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links
Governor Patrick Announces $500,000 Grant to MWCC to Science & Technology Programs
Governor Deval Patrick recently announced a $500,000 grant for new equipment and laboratory upgrades to support MWCC's life sciences-related programs to prepare the region's growing need for skilled workers in biotechnology, biomedical engineering other fields.
  
"In order for Massachusetts to continue to create jobs and prosper, we must train our workers for the jobs of the 21st century global economy. Our innovation economy relies on a well-educated, well-skilled workforce, and these grants will expand opportunity and grow jobs in central Massachusetts," he said.
  
MWCC was awarded a $500,000 grant to upgrade aging and outdated equipment and add new equipment that aligns with current industry standards for its core life sciences courses in biology, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology and plant science. These courses provide the basic foundation for MWCC'S existing biotechnology, natural resources and clinical laboratory science degree programs and three new proposed degree programs in quality and analytical technology, liberal arts and sciences biology and chemistry to be rolled out in fall 2014.

 

The funding will make it possible for MWCC to substantially improve its curriculum to integrate more hands-on, real-world laboratory experiences and add an organic chemistry course, an equipment heavy foundational course for biological sciences and molecular biology studies. 
  
Governor Deval Patrick recently announced nearly $1 million in grants to support life sciences programs at MWCC and Quinsigamond Community College. Pictured at the March 6 announcement, from left, QCC President Gail Carberry, QCC student Jose Cruz, Governor Patrick, MWCC student Jenna Bonci and MWCC President Daniel Asquino.
   
  
HED Secretary Greg Bialecki Tours MWCC Advanced Manufacturing Center
Massachusetts Housing and Economic Development Secretary Greg Bialecki recently toured the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Certification Center at MWCC's Devens campus. The tour highlighted the center's ability to provide space and tools for hands-on experience to participants seeking skills recognized by their industry as critical to their success. "These centers are the driving forces behind providing our workforce with the skills they need to compete, and are a critical part of the reason why Massachusetts is leading the nation in growing a 21st century advanced manufacturing sector," said Secretary Bialecki. "We remain committed to supporting this vital industry and ensuring a strong manufacturing workforce for our future."
  
Free Adult Basic Education Courses Available at MWCC to Prepare for New HiSET exam
For decades, Mount Wachusett Community College has been the regional go-to site that helps adults who never completed high school begin a new chapter in their lives by earning their General Equivalency Diploma (GED). In January, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education selected Educational Testing Service (ETS) to administer the new high school equivalency assessment in the state. The new assessment, called HiSET, will replace the GED credential in Massachusetts. MWCC will begin offering the HiSET assessment to residents of North Central Massachusetts this spring. The college's GED Test Center will now be known as the High School Equivalency Test Center. MWCC offers free Adult Basic Education courses in Gardner, Leominster, Devens and Winchendon to prepare students for the exam.
  
Indian Hill Big Band to Present Free Jazz Concert at MWCC 

Indian Hill Big BandThe Indian Hill Big Band, led by trumpeter, composer and educator Jerry Sabatini, will present a free jazz concert on Friday, March 28 at 8 p.m. in the Raymond M. LaFontaine Fine Arts Center theatre. Based in Littleton, the Indian Hill Big Band performs America's greatest music at venues throughout Greater Boston and beyond. The concert will serve as a live training event for MWCC's media students. The end result will be a full concert DVD and cable television program. 

 Read more  

Upcoming Events
  • Mental Health Awareness Conference
  • Women's History Month
  • Career Fashion Show
  • Annual Job Fair 

For information about upcoming events, click here.

 
 
To submit to the MWCC e-News and MWCC NewsCenter, or to request coverage for your event, contact the Division of Marketing and Communications.
  
  
Janice O'Connor
Director of Public Relations
Mount Wachusett Community College
978-630-9547