Roxbury Community College’s answer to the challenge of economic freedom
Become the economic engine that puts our community back to work
There’s been much discussion and many questions about the changes in Roxbury and how these changes will affect the current residents. The real issue is how can residents keep their homes; work at decent paying jobs; and create, grow and sustain businesses to remain in the neighborhood. The new Roxbury Community College has a foundational role to play in this economic rebirth.
In addition to providing a quality education for our students, RCC has the mandate to ensure degree and non-certificate programs reflect the directions in which business and industry are going. Under new leadership, we face the task of not just surviving but transforming the College. Given the challenges confronting us, this has not been an easy undertaking.
To position residents for success, RCC has made some significant changes. We cannot continue to be the RCC of yesterday or the RCC our parents knew. The sweat of our ancestors, our current consumer clout and our taxpayer dollars entitle us to a place at the economic table. To move to the head of that table, we must update our skills and ensure that our curriculum meets the needs of today’s businesses and entrepreneurial landscape. Positioning RCC for success, in turn, positions the community for success.
These are some of the new initiatives underway at RCC that are fueling promising careers for tomorrow.
n We signed a Strategic Alliance Memorandum agreement with the United States Small Business Administration; providing a bridge for those who want to start or expand their business, or link to our entrepreneurship certificate program.
n In partnership with YouthBuild Boston, RCC established The Boston Assessment Trade Center on campus to help those ages 18-26 explore career opportunities in the construction trades, leading to a nine-week hands-on training program.
n We formed a new partnership with CVS for the Pharmacy Technician certificate program which includes full employment after successfully completing their internship.
n We are collaborating with Colaberry on a Business Intelligence certificate program which includes internships, job readiness and job placement.
Together, we will become the economic engine that puts our community back to work by establishing new corporate partnerships and internships, reconnecting with local businesses and community leaders, and meeting with our elected officials to advocate for RCC and the community.
Our goal is to be that viable resource that companies and industries turn to for a highly skilled, qualified workforce and emerging entrepreneurs from within the community for collaboration, careers, and well paying jobs.
The transformation process is in high gear. We are still a work in progress, but we are well on our way. Every day we are working to restore our brand and build trust within the community. There are those who doubt that we can turn this college around, but that is the fuel which drives us forward. Join us on the journey to economic empowerment for our community.
Valerie Roberson, RCC President, Lorita Williams, RCC Vice President for Advancement & Community Engagement
