Our president, Dr. Linda Thomas-Glover, wrote this article in honor of Community College Month. It appeared in the April 1 issue of the Eastern Shore News.
The institution we know as Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC) had its beginnings in 1964 as the Eastern Shore Branch of the School of Continuing Studies of University of Virginia and was
located near Wallops Island.  Since July 1, 1971, the college has been one of 23 two-year institutions in the Commonwealth known as a part of the current Virginia Community College System. This summer the college will celebrate its 44^th year of existence as a community college and higher education institution dedicated to providing postsecondary education and training for residents of the Eastern Shore.

The impact of ESCC on the Shore cannot be understated. Since the 1971-72 academic year, ESCC has awarded a total of 3,644 credentials including associate degrees, diplomas and certificates.  So it is not surprising to find that ESCC alumni are a significant part of the workforce up and down the Shore. An estimated 500,000 ESCC credits have accumulated in the Eastern Shore Service Area workforce over the past 30-year period as former ESCC students enter the regional workforce each year. It is easy to find former ESCC students employed in our local health care systems, service industries, K-12 systems, aerospace-related industries, manufacturing and many of other employment sectors here on the Shore.  The college employs several of its former students, including individuals from the original graduating class of 1972.

As one of the 25 largest employers on the Shore, ESCC contributes around $5 million to the Eastern Shore Service Area economy each year from basic college operations. The majority of the college employees live locally and spend locally, strengthening our local economy.

ESCC provides a cost effective route for local students to gain access to four-year institutions to earn undergraduate degrees through guaranteed articulation agreements with major colleges and universities.  Over seventy percent of ESCC students transfer primarily to ODU, Virginia Tech, UVA, Virginia Wesleyan or Liberty University.  Dual enrollment partnerships with our K-12 systems allow families to see significant savings in the cost of earning a four-year degree.

In addition to transfer options, ESCC also focuses on strengthening the workforce on the Eastern Shore. Activities at ESCC encourage new businesses, assist existing businesses, create long-term economic growth, and enhance workers’ skills.  The college has numerous partnerships with local businesses providing customized training opportunities, and we have developed a very successful model supporting internships and work-experiences for students in partnership with employers.

The Eastern Shore Community College Foundation supports the College and its initiatives through its fundraising efforts for scholarships, student internships and the Fiege Center for Student Achievement. Other programs of the Foundation include mini-grant awards to faculty and staff for special projects and Project Horizons.

Faculty, staff and students at ESCC receive recognition nationally and statewide for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to higher education.

Eastern Shore Community College is in the final stages of completing a new Strategic Plan. Additionally, the college is also preparing to enter an exciting phase of the construction of a new modern facility which will allow us to better serve the Eastern Shore and educate and train individuals to be successful in the 21^st century. We invite the Shore to join us in this journey as you have in the past.