Quinsigamond Community College Growth Explodes into Downtown Worcester

New student comments said it all - “Wow! This is so nice,” and  “I love the valet parking,” were among the many positive remarks overheard as the start of fall semester 2014 at QCC’s new Healthcare and Workforce Development Center got underway at 25 Federal Street.  

Opening the doors to students on Tuesday, September 2 was well worth the wait for QCC faculty and staff, but especially for students, who can now take advantage of state-of-the-art equipment that will allow for optimal training in healthcare. Multiple simulation labs have been assigned; the back of an ambulance and a doctor office, complete with waiting rooms and examination rooms are just two. Being within walking distance of clinical sites is also helpful to students, faculty and administrators who coordinate with their city partners on a daily basis. 

President Gail Carberry spent some time chatting with students in the new student lounge on Tuesday. The fact that the new Center is specifically for QCC’s numerous healthcare education programs and workforce training,  did not go unnoticed by students who remarked to President Carberry, “I like this facility better because it’s only for health fields education and we know where we’re going.” President Carberry commented, “I am so happy to see this vision come to fruition. I’m excited to be able to offer this to the city and to our students whom we both care so much about. We’re also able to accomplish this without any increase in tuition and fees, which is at the heart of QCC’s mission to keep education affordable and attainable for the masses.”

Jane June, QCC’s Dean of Healthcare said recently, “I see QCC moving to downtown as part of a solution.” Dean June is referring to the multiple advantages that QCC’s new Healthcare and Workforce Development Center offers to the city of Worcester, QCC partners as well as QCC students. With over 600 students along with numerous faculty at the new facility, over 1,200 new “feet on the street” can be counted on to invigorate the local economy.  President Carberry added, “As the economic engine that drives Central MA, we are proud to be back downtown where we can be counted on to supply the region with a well-trained and educated workforce.”

Among the plethora of benefits to students is also the accessibility of the Healthcare and Workforce Development Center. Being downtown means multiple options for transportation as well as the convenience of its central location. “Getting here is very easy,” and “my commute went so smoothly, I couldn’t have asked for better,” were more of the same positive student comments.

QCC being back downtown, training tomorrow’s healthcare professionals and providing education to the workforce is no coincidence. QCC’s careful strategizing with business partners and the city of Worcester means that the cooperative efforts accomplished will afford a better standard of living for all who come into contact with the busy, vibrant downtown and the dynamic new Healthcare and Workforce Development Center.