Norwalk Community College Norwalk Community College Foundation Annual Report 2015-2016 President’s Message students for success, but also enrich And, we look forward to a major the community and boost the economy. campus renovation to expand and upgrade NCC shares its knowledge and the PepsiCo Theater and build a Student resources with local, state and federal Commons that will be the vibrant center agencies, including the U.S. Department of student life. of Education which recently chose NCC to I thank you, and all of the College’s be a site for its financial aid pilot program. constituents and partners, for making NCC Other NCC collaborations help fam- an outstanding and engaged institution. ilies achieve economic security, provide employers with workforce solutions, in- troduce students to the arts, and develop Norwalk Community College is the educational career pathways in fields ranging from digital journalism to genomic medicine. David L. Levinson, Ph.D. center of the community, providing opportunities For example, NCC is priming the President, Norwalk Community College, Dear Friends and Colleagues, talent pipeline for Science, Technology, and Vice President, Connecticut State for intellectual inquiry, open dialogue, multicul- America’s college graduates owe Engineering and Math (STEM) jobs through Colleges and Universities more than $1.2 trillion in student loan the Norwalk Early College Academy (NECA), debt. That’s a massive load for today’s a dual enrollment partnership with IBM tural awareness and lifelong learning. Recognizing young people to carry. and the Norwalk Public Schools. NECA But Norwalk Community College prepares high school students for entry the diverse needs of its students, the College graduates start their working lives virtu- level jobs at IBM and provides the oppor- ally debt-free. That is because the state tunity to earn a high school diploma and keeps tuition affordable, and the College’s an associate degree within six years. strives to provide an environment in which they public/private relationship with the NCC is proud to be the only commu- Norwalk Community College Foundation nity college in Connecticut to earn are empowered to achieve their highest potential. provides more than $1 million in scholar- elective Community Engagement Classi- ships annually. NCC also has relationships fication from the Carnegie Foundation with four-year colleges that ensure seam- for the Advancement of Teaching, and less transfer without loss of time or credits. to be included in the President’s Higher Our students graduate faster, with more Education Community Service Honor money in their pockets. Roll four times. Partnerships like these benefit the In the coming year, NCC will expand College and the country. its educational partnership with J.M. A few years ago, a McKinsey and Wright Technical High School in Stamford, Company report on Breaking the U.S. and continue to grow its STEM programs Growth Impasse noted that “business preparing students for high-growth occupa- leaders can give the U.S. economy a shot tions in science, technology, engineering in the arm by pursuing innovative public/ and math. private partnerships and developing NCC will be playing a key role in the human capital through education and revitalization of South Norwalk’s Washing- workforce training.” ton Village, the oldest public housing Norwalk Community College is doing development in Connecticut, by creating Norwalk Community College Vision Statement Norwalk Community College just that. NCC leads more than 100 collab- educational and career programs for orative relationships that not only position hundreds of residents there. 1 NCC in the News The College Named a Dual access and increase college completion smooth and affordable pathway from Enrollment Site for our nation’s students,” said U.S. Under NCC to a B.A. degree. Secretary of Education Ted Mitchell. NCC students can select from more The U.S. Department “We’re thrilled these institutions have than 20 TAP course concentrations that of Education has joined us in answering the President’s call articulate with Central Connecticut State launched a Dual to reimagine the high school experience University, Western Connecticut State Enrollment Experi- and create stronger linkages to college University, Southern Connecticut State ment program that coursework.” University, Eastern Connecticut State will allow high school University and Charter Oak State College, students to use financial aid to enroll in New CSCU Transfer the state’s online college. college courses, and has chosen NCC as a Framework Students interested in transferring partner in the initiative. Getting from NCC to a bachelor’s degree to the University of Connecticut benefit “Norwalk Community College is got easier this year. The Connecticut from the Guaranteed Admission Pro- honored to have been selected as an State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) gram (GAP) articulation pathway. NCC Experiment Site. NCC has a long history launched its new Transfer and Articula- students who plan to major at UConn of partnering with area secondary tion Program (TAP) in fall 2015. TAP ensures in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Agriculture, schools to offer college courses to high that Connecticut community college Health and Natural Resources, or Busi- school students,” said NCC President graduates can seamlessly transfer to the ness are guaranteed admission after David L. Levinson, Ph.D. “The success of Connecticut state universities and Charter completing their associate degree at NCC the Norwalk Early College Academy, Oak College without either losing or and meeting grade and prerequisite and other NCC high school partnerships, gaining excess credit. This makes for a requirements. demonstrates that students excel with dual enrollment options.” In 2014, Norwalk Community College co-founded the Norwalk Early College Academy (NECA), a dual enrollment initi- ative with IBM and the Norwalk Public Schools. More than 150 high school students attend NECA and work with IBM mentors while taking college courses taught onsite by NCC professors. This repli- cation of the first Pathways to Technology (P-Tech) school in partnership with IBM is the first of its kind in Connecticut. By 2020, approximately 65% of job openings will require postsecondary education and training beyond high school. However, many high school stu- dents—especially those from low income backgrounds—lack access to the vigorous coursework and support services that prepare students for success in college. “Innovation is an important under- pinning in our efforts to expand college 3 Latest Techno-Marvel This year, NCC became one of the first colleges in the state to have a Sim-Woman computerized patient mannequin that delivers a baby. The Division of Nursing and Allied Health uses the mannequin to teach students about childbirth and the care and evaluation of newborns. The mannequin “Victoria” exhibits contrac- tions and can be programmed to have a fast or slow delivery and birth twins. (She even complains about labor pain.) Simulation is one of the nation’s leading trends for teaching medical pro- cedures without risk to human patients. NCC is an incredible place to get an education. A A statement of hope and inclusion, “May Peace Prevail on Earth” adorns the East Campus in eight languages. major contributor to its success has been a willing- Professor Susan Montez, a nationally the strengths that reside in our diversity, renowned poet who passed away in April. and underscores NCC’s stature as a National Public Radio showcased community-based institution,” said NCC ness to innovate and reflect the changing needs NCC’s Food Pantry in a program on hunger President David L. Levinson. among college students in America. In the future, the Council will engage of its students ... the Dual Enrollment Experiment The New York Times “Sunday Book the community in interfaith events, dia- Review” ran an editorial by History and logue and activities; and facilitate collab- Political Science Professor Steven Berizzi oration on community service projects. is another step in this tradition ...we need these comparing the economic fallout of the Great Recession with the “huge economic Make Way for Campus kinds of forward-thinking strategies at institu- Synced to the Sim-Woman “patient,” a command console is operated by a nursing professor in a private disparities” following the Civil War. Improvements room within the Simulation Lab. The instructor controls the mannequin’s heart rate, respiration and Interfaith Council Formed The State of Connecticut is providing tions of higher learning all across Connecticut specific symptoms, and speaks into a hidden micro- bond funding for Phase III of the College’s phone, becoming the live “voice” of the mannequin. In December, NCC formed an Interfaith renovation plan. Architectural plans have and the country. Council —an initiative created in response been drawn up for a major renovation of National Spotlight on NCC (CT-04) to President Obama’s Interfaith and Com- the 298-seat PepsiCo Theater on the East The College’s initiatives and faculty made munity Service Campus Challenge issued Campus, and the creation of a Student national news again this year. in 2011. At that time, he urged presidents Commons on the West Campus. The Wall Street Journal featured NCC of all higher education institutions to The expanded theater will include an in a news story on institutions selected engage people from all religious and sec- enlarged stage, improved lighting, a bal- for the U.S. Department of Education’s ular backgrounds to come together to cony, and a green room where performers Dual Enrollment Pilot Program. tackle community challenges. and guest speakers can prepare back- NCC’s tradition of selecting students NCC’s Interfaith Council is made up of stage. The Student Commons will provide Congressman Jim Himes Congressman to speak at graduation instead of celeb- administrators, faculty, staff and students a large space for students to congregate, rities or dignitaries was applauded in who encourage acceptance of people of enjoy meals and host club activities.