Update from ESCC Vice President, Dr. Patrick Tompkins

Your Eastern Shore Community College has conducted an environmental scan of its existing programs, education gaps identified by employers, labor market analyses, and economic development studies. The result is 36 revised or new programs at the College.

New programs that have been added based on our data analysis are in the career technical fields of healthcare, information technology, and trades. A significant push was to develop stackable credentials eligible for the new state-funded G3 program. 

G3 stands for Get a Skill, Get a Job, and Get Ahead. Most students in career technical programs will qualify for this program. The aid covers tuition, books, and for some students provides an additional grant award of $900 for living expenses.

While the College has had degree programs in HVAC, welding, electricity, and electronics technology, career studies certificates in these areas were added so that students can earn credentials in shorter time, return to or enter the workforce, and continue adding credentials until they complete a degree. Also, programs that can lead to certifications in construction trades are now available.

The College added a career studies certificate in law enforcement as a way to develop aspiring public safety workers and help current officers advance in their careers. Two career studies certificates in Workplace Office Professional develop core employability skills in students while they complete their studies. 

In healthcare, there are new programs in dental assisting, nurse aide, and healthcare fundamentals. 

ESCC continues to expand its FastForward programs which are designed to quickly lead to industry-recognized credentials in high demand fields like healthcare, information technology, trades, and commercial truck driving. 

Last week, Workforce Development Services launched a new FastForward Unmanned Systems (UMS) class, more popularly known as drones. Completers will be prepared to test for the FAA 107 certification which is required to commercially fly drones. Increasingly, drones are important for realtors, agriculture and aquaculture, public safety, photographers, and hobbyists.

Workforce Development Services will also offer a Spanish-language Core Construction Trades FastForward class. This is the first time non-native English speaking students at ESCC will have the opportunity to earn a workforce credential through a class taught in their native language.

In Adult Education, the College is offering new programs in basic computer literacy that result in North Start Digital Literacy certifications and an online option for the High School Equivalency Diploma, more commonly known as GED. The College continues to offer multiple levels of classes for English Language Learners.

In Information Technology, the new Information Technology Support career studies certificate leads directly to certification as a Google IT Support technician which completers can use to enter the local, or even the national, workforce without leaving the Shore. Some will want to top that up with Webpage Development, a skills need for many Shore businesses and organizations. These programs culminate in the Business Management Information Technology two-year degree.

ESCC faculty have revised almost every transfer degree to speed time to completion and better align with academic programs at Virginia’s public four-year schools.

As the College enters its final year of the Refresh period and celebrates 50 years of service on the Shore, a solid selection of attractive and strong educational programming is now available to neighbors in our community who wish to advance their careers.

At ESCC our YES! culture emphasizes that this is Your Eastern Shore Community College. To meet that promise, we are committed to providing educational programs that residents and employers on the Shore need.

The College will hold a Registration Rally Tuesday, August 10, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary and all services are available on site, including admissions, enrollment, advising, and financial aid.

About the Author:

Dr. Patrick Tompkins serves as vice president for Academic, Student & Workforce Education at Your Eastern Shore Community College.