Working at Holyoke Community College

Since its founding in 1946, Holyoke Community College has focused on inspiring futures through education and training, access, and engagement. The goal is simple-exceptional preparation for personal and professional success through education for all learners.

HCC's highly-qualified, committed faculty and staff engage learners through innovative, relevant instruction and comprehensive student support services, ensuring that our students are well prepared for their next step in life-whether to transfer to a four-year institution, to advance in a career, to build skills, or simply to enhance their quality of life.

HCC faculty and staff support students in discovering their academic abilities and career aptitudes for the future they choose. We think they'll find that HCC provides the best start for attaining their goals, for one of the best dollar values in education today.

Enrollment

Located in Western Massachusetts' scenic Pioneer Valley, HCC draws students from more than 70 cities and towns throughout the region and from beyond. As a gateway to quality, accessible education and career advancement, more than 100,000 students have come through the doors seeking to realize their dreams and aspirations. HCC boasts the largest enrollment and awards the highest number of associate degrees and certificates among Western Massachusetts community colleges. At the college's 65th commencement in May 2012,a total of 1,000 students received approximately 1,026 associate degrees and certificates. Graduates ranged in age from 18-80, and came from 70 Massachusetts towns, as well as Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, and from as far away as Florida, Michigan, Missouri and South Carolina. Our international grads included citizens of Israel, Malawi, Peru and South Korea.

Programs

HCC offers more than 100 associate degree and certificate options, as well as adult basic education/GED programs, education and training for business and industry, and noncredit community service personal and professional enrichment courses. To accommodate students' busy lives, HCC offers day, twilight, evening, weekend, and online classes. Academic programs, in a variety of disciplines, are designed for immediate career entry or for transfer to four-year institutions. Plus, for those seeking additional intellectual challenge in their coursework, HCC is known for its exceptional learning communities (team-taught interdisciplinary courses organized around a common theme) and its Commonwealth Honors program, among other programs and services.

Transfer

HCC has the highest transfer rate of any community college statewide, holding articulation agreements with more than 27 colleges and universities. Many students attend HCC with the intention of transferring to a four-year college or university. And many do so after graduating-often with generous and even full scholarships-to public and private four-year colleges and universities across the country. Locally, HCC is the largest feeder institution for Westfield State College and UMASS Amherst.

Immediate career entry

HCC offers short-term certificates and training for students whose goal is immediate career entry. HCC's Career Center provides additional assistance in helping students obtain employment in the region's many workplaces.

A vibrant community resource

Throughout the year, HCC is home to numerous recreational and cultural activities and events that are open to the community. View an art exhibit at the Taber Art Gallery, catch a live performance at the Leslie Phillips Theater, enjoy the college's annual Jazz Festival, or come watch one of HCC's competitive varsity athletic games. HCC has the largest disc golf course in Western Massachusetts, and it's free and open to the public.