2019 State of the College

11 Westchester Community College Thanks to National Science Foundation funding, the college is now a nationally recognized center offering students the opportunity to prepare for careers in the field of photonics and laser technology. Our students may now take courses in Mechanical Technology that will prepare future technicians to work with lasers in the fields of advanced manufacturing, networking telecommunications, and medical technology. Photonics is the technology of generating and harnessing light and other forms of radiant energy. Our classes instruct students in the use of lasers, optics, fiber optics, and electro-optical devices for technology fields including alternative energy, manufacturing, healthcare, telecommu- nications, environmental monitoring, homeland security, aerospace, solid state lighting, and many others. Photonics technicians manufacture, install, test and operate lasers, lenses, mirror, spectrometers, and other optical and fiber optic equipment. The photonics market is projected to grow 8.4% by 2024. Another academic innovation instituted over the past year was our Ossining Health Advantage Program, a learning community supported by State University of New York Applied Learning funding. This first-semester experience is comprised of three courses taught collaboratively at the Ossining Extension Center in order to infuse career-based skills into the curriculum. Designed for new students interested in pursuing one of our healthcare-focused degree programs, the program offers mentoring resources and guidance toward a healthcare internship. ACCORDING TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, THE DEMAND FOR CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINERS MAKES IT ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING PROFESSIONS, WITH DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH EXPECTED OVER THE NEXT DECADE.