STCC seeks legislative support to relocate health programs

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Meeting with Springfield-area legislators, Springfield Technical Community College President John B. Cook asked for continued support for a capital project that would move healthcare programs out of an 80-year-old campus building that has outlived its usefulness.

Cook on March 18 welcomed the lawmakers to a meeting held in an EMT classroom in Building 20, which faces significant facilities problems. Building 20 houses STCC’s degree and certificate allied health programs as well as the acclaimed SIMS Medical Center, which provides an invaluable patient simulation experience for students.

Cook provided an overview of the infrastructure proposal which was submitted in December 2021 to the state Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM).

“We … ask for your help to keep up the momentum,” Cook told lawmakers, including state Reps. Angelo J. Puppolo Jr., Kelly W. Pease, Carlos González, Orlando Ramos, Jake Oliveira and staff from the offices of state Sens. Eric Lesser and Adam Gomez.

Christopher Scott, dean of the School of Health and Patient Simulation, described state-of-the-art technology and the hands-on learning offered to students. EMT students, for example, train with patient simulators in a real ambulance. Students in a number of programs work with patient simulators that provide a real-world experience in a safe environment.

“We look for your support,” Scott said. “While we have great resources and great programs, the infrastructure in the building is still a challenge, and we do need to make that move.”

Cook said the health programs supported in the proposal are essential and match the needs of the regional labor market blueprint.

STCC offers 18 associate and certificate programs in its School of Health and Patient Simulation, including nursing and dental, and seven of the allied health programs are unique to Western Massachusetts. The School of Health, with more than 100 faculty and staff, educates more than 700 students each year.

The proposal relocates the entire School of Health, and preserves the SIMS Medical Center, to ensure an integrated training environment for invaluable clinical settings.

A 2021 safety study commissioned by the college confirmed the level and severity of long-standing building concerns. The top two floors have been vacant since 2005 due to asbestos. Infrastructure emergencies, including flooding episodes, have plagued the building over the years.

We … ask for your help to keep up the momentum. Dr. John B. Cook, STCC President

STCC has submitted a $41.5 million proposal to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that calls for moving most programs to Building 13 on campus. Students in dental, occupational therapy assistant and physical therapy assistant programs would use space in the Springfield Technology Park on Federal Street .

The college has asked for $30 million in state funds with STCC Trustees committing $6 million, and the STCC Foundation $0.5 million, which helps demonstrate commitment across stakeholders for the project. The regional legislative delegation has already shown support with $5 million for the project included in a 2021 Economic Development Bill that was passed.

Cook said the project is vital in part because STCC helps students move up the socioeconomic ladder.  STCC, a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution, supports many students who come from traditionally disenfranchised and marginalized communities, including Black/African American and Latino students, Cook said.

After the meeting, lawmakers said the presentation gave them a clear-eyed view of the programs and the needs of the students. Rep. Puppolo noted the capital request is smaller than an earlier submission.

“The deferred maintenance on this building is beyond repair,” said Puppolo, who is an STCC graduate. “It doesn’t make any sense to put any money into it. I think the plan they have now – a smaller footprint, a smaller budget cost – works twofold. It’s going to be great for the community and is also going to be great for STCC moving forward.”

Rep. González said the health programs serve not just the students but the community. The Dental Hygiene Clinic, for example, has been offering some free services throughout March. In past years, STCC has offered community dental days in which dentists work with students and provide treatment such as root canals, at no charge.

“It’s important that we continue to support financially the institution that is not only providing an education but career opportunities to many individuals in the city of Springfield and throughout Western Mass,” González said.

Rep. Oliveira said some of his family has gone to STCC, including his father. “They’ve got great programs, including certificate programs that allowed them to get a job afterward,” Oliveira said. “We need to invest in public higher education across the board.”

Rep. Pease described STCC as a great resource to help people get into the workforce, including high-demand healthcare fields.

“We need to help (STCC) with their facilities to be able to allow that to continue to happen and continue to grow,” Pease said. “We’re here to listen, and hopefully we can help them get to where they need to be.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

• See All News