Eastern Shore Community College Launches New Engineering Program for Fall 2026

Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC) is proud to announce the launch of its new Engineering Program beginning Fall 2026, expanding academic opportunity for students while helping meet growing regional and statewide workforce demand in high-impact engineering fields.

The launch of the program is made possible through a transformational $1.25 million lead gift from Mrs. Jane Batten, establishing the Batten Engineering Fund at the Eastern Shore Community College Foundation. This extraordinary investment reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to engineering education and creating meaningful career pathways for students on the Eastern Shore.

ESCC’s new Associate of Science in Engineering degree will provide students with a rigorous academic foundation in engineering, mathematics, and science, preparing them for seamless transfer to four-year institutions where they may pursue specialized engineering disciplines. The program is strategically aligned with workforce needs in aerospace, civil engineering, advanced manufacturing, and related technical industries.

With close proximity to NASA Wallops Flight Facility, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, and growing regional industry partners, ESCC is uniquely positioned to connect students with experiential learning opportunities, internships, and direct pathways into high-demand careers.

The curriculum has received approval from both the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring students receive a high-quality academic experience grounded in strong transferability and workforce relevance.

Labor market data from the Virginia Community College System, based on Virginia Employment Commission projections, indicate significant projected growth in engineering-related job openings across Accomack and Northampton counties and throughout the broader region.

In addition to preparing students for transfer and engineering careers, the program supports emerging workforce needs in infrastructure modernization, environmental resilience, aerospace innovation, and advanced technology sectors critical to the Eastern Shore’s future economic vitality.

This initiative reflects ESCC’s continued commitment to student success, workforce development, and regional economic transformation. By investing in engineering education, ESCC is helping build the next generation of problem-solvers, innovators, and leaders who will shape the future of the Eastern Shore and beyond.

Students interested in the Engineering Program are encouraged to contact ESCC Student Services, their academic advisor, or career coach for additional information. The Fall 2026 semester begins August 17, and registration is now open.

Prepare for a future in engineering with ESCC’s new program designed for transfer, innovation, and career success, right here on the Eastern Shore.

More information is available by calling 757-789-1720, emailing studentservices@es.vccs.edu or by visiting the ESCC Online College Catalog.