CT State Community College (CT State) celebrated its one-year anniversary of the consolidation of 12 community colleges with multiple locations into a unified single-accredited institution on July 1 by sharing highlights of college initiatives that support student success, diversity, and workforce development.
“This year has been a testament to our commitment to providing accessible and quality education to a diverse student body,” said CT State President O. John Maduko, M.D. “It is truly a celebration of the students who benefited from our education, the diversity of our campuses, and the 6,400 employees who provide so much to our college,” he continued. “As we enter our second year as CT State, we will continue to build on this strong foundation and remain committed to collaborating with our industry partners to supply an educated and trained workforce for the most in-demand sectors and industries in Connecticut.”
Educational Impact
In its inaugural year, CT State served over 64,000 students in credit and non-degree workforce development programs, making it the Northeast’s largest community college and the sixth-largest nationwide. At its first series of commencement ceremonies in May, the college conferred 5,844 credit degrees and certificates alongside 2,516 workforce development credentials.
CT State has also expanded access to tuition-free education following increased state funding and revised eligibility criteria, benefitting a substantial number of students across the state. Notably, 54 percent of financial aid-seeking students and 34% of all students paid $0 in tuition.
Diverse Student Body
Reflecting the diversity of its community, 57 percent of CT State’s student body identify as students of color. The college welcomes learners of all backgrounds, which includes 70 percent of students who attend part-time, 40 percent who take at least one online class, 30 percent who are age 25 or older, six percent English language learners, and eight percent who are high school students earning college credits through dual enrollment. Approximately 30 percent of students transfer to four-year institutions to continue their education.
Programs, Achievements, and Community Engagement Highlights
CT State’s commitment to academics and community impact has led to several initiatives and achievements in its first year:
• The establishment of the Hartford Talent Hub at CT State Capital, offering a paid apprenticeship program with Accenture, aligning education with in-demand technology jobs.
• Upgrades to some facilities such as the Advanced Manufacturing Lab at CT State Middlesex, which will enhance hands-on training opportunities.
• Signing of an articulation agreement with Morehouse College, fostering pathways for male CT State students to transfer to an HBCU (historically Black college or university).
• A new location in Willimantic, an extension of the Quinebaug Valley campus.
• Among individual institutions, CT State has the largest number of nursing students in Connecticut across its six campuses offering credit nursing programs. Approximately 8,472 students enrolled in CT State’s School of Nursing and Health Professions.
• Free, grant-funded small business seminars statewide designed to help new startups and bring education, training, and mentorship to existing Connecticut businesses.
• Two national awards for exemplary practices in training and certification programs for CT State faculty and staff.