Westchester Community College, State University of New York

There’s a reason why these web pages are titled “Bright Futures.” Sure, it’s partly because many of the academic majors listed here have to do with energy degrees that ensure that we have the “bright” power we need in modern society. But it’s also because there are job openings, lots of them, in each of these energy, engineering technology, and sustainability fields.So, if you want to start a career with a “bright” future, read on.

“Bright Futures” academic programs prepare students for careers in the energy industry and related fields. Some of the programs listed here may lead directly to a first job, new career, or even a lifetime of employment in a growing field. Others lead to transfer to four-year universities. Or even higher level jobs after you graduate with a Bachelors degree from that four-year school. But all of the programs that we list here boast small classes and faculty with industry knowledge and experience; all for the most affordable tuition in Westchester County.

Together with Con Edison, we are encouraging students to major in these high growth fields with extensive career opportunities. Through the “Bright Futures” program, we will be presenting career panels, a job fair, a college/career Open House event, meet and greet sessions with industry employees, and field trips to industry sites.

For more information on the Bright Futures program please contact:
Anthony Suozzo, Bright Futures Project Coordinator, anthony.suozzo@sunywcc.edu

Civil Technology

Look around. So much of what you see around you involved the work of those with a background in this field. Our graduates assist in the preparation for the construction of architectural landmark buildings, help survey huge public works projects, and ensure that we have a safe highway system. If you walk into it or drive over it, chances are that a Civil Technology technician was involved.

Electrical Technology

The world of technology moves pretty quickly these days, especially in the field of Electrical Technology. We constantly find new ways to apply electronics to our modern society, such as through instrumentation, embedded microprocessors, robotics, biomedical technology, and digital communication. Our academic program covers all of these topics and helps you move rapidly into a career or further study.

Energy Systems

There are jobs in the field, and plenty of them. There’s a critical need for new technicians and operators with up-to-date skills in a myriad of energy fields including power generation, power transmission and distribution, renewable energy, and nuclear energy. When we first planned this AAS program, we worked with the leaders in these fields. We wanted to be sure that what we taught was on the cutting edge, and would lead to real careers in a growing industry. So we teamed up with Con Edison, The New York Power Authority, and Entergy. With their help, we set up courses that teach relevant career skills. We revise the classes constantly, updating the information to match state-of-the-art standards in the field. Choose from four tracks/specializations: Power Generation, Power Transmission and Distribution, Nuclear Energy, or Renewable Energy.

Engineering Science

Over the years, hundreds of Engineering students have saved money by taking their first two years of study here and then transferring on to a four-year school. Our program integrates science and mathematics with design and laboratory study. Classes are offered both day and evening, in case you are in already in one career and are looking to move into another, or you want to get started in this growing profession as a first career.

Environmental Science

One of our newest academic programs is also one of our most relevant to world affairs. Everywhere you look, you’ll hear something about the environment and our need to pay attention to sustainability issues. Our students get started here and then move on to study toward a Bachelors degrees elsewhere. You’ll learn how to come up with solutions to current problems with the help of an informed environmental perspective. Instead of just discussing environmental issues, you’ll play a part in future environmental, social, and economic decisions. What could be better or more meaningful than that?

Environmental Studies

Many of us want to change the world. But without the proper academic background, what can we really change? This program will help you establish your foundation of biological, environmental, political and social sciences, and mathematics knowledge. You’ll better understand sustainability, global climate change, ecosystem protection, natural resource management, and environmental policy and protection. With our contacts at four-year schools, and our solid transfer agreements with those institutions, you will be prepared to advance on to earn your Environmental Studies Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees at those colleges and universities.

Mechanical Technology

Want to see the latest in computer-aided-design and mechanical laboratories? Come to our main campus in Valhalla where our state-of-the-art CAD lab and fully equipped mechanical lab allow students to work on both the theoretical and practical aspects of design as well as the manufacturing of a product. Our graduates are employed in well-paying jobs as engineering aides; mechanical and structural designers; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technicians; quality assurance technicians; service engineers; and computer-assisted drafters. Many have also moved on to study at four-year schools.

Transfer opportunities

Students who graduate from our programs have their choice of going directly to work or transferring to major four-year institutions. Graduates have gone on to SUNY four-year colleges and university centers, Cornell University, RPI, Stevens Institute of Technology, Rochester Institute of Technology, Polytechnic Institute of New York, California State University, St. John’s University, Pratt Institute, and many more.

• Green/Sustainability Open House

  Attendees learned about certificate and degrees in Green Construction Management, Environmental Science and more. This video shows Energy Systems Program Professor Rich Van Inwegen working with solar panels in his Photovoltaic Design and Installation course.

• Sustainability

  Westchester Community College in Valhalla, New York is committed to protecting the environment. “Between River and Sound” is a learning community project in its third year and is generously funded by Con Ed’s Power of Green program. Faculty, staff and administrators have been involved in experiences and training that has led to the development of new course curricula and learning activities focused on the principles of sustainability. In addition, administrators and staff have designed projects to bring sustainable practices to their areas of responsibilities at the college. The video shows how faculty cover sustainability topics in diverse subject areas ranging from English to Accounting, Fashion Merchandising, and Psychology. Meanwhile, the college is protecting the environment and saving money with our new solar panels on the roof of the gym. In addition, we opened the county’s first LEED certified green building, The Gateway Center.

• Sustainability Information Session

  Learn about certificate and degrees in Green Construction Management, Environmental Science and more. This video shows Energy Systems Program Professor Rich Van Inwegen working with solar panels in his Photovoltaic Design and Installation course.

• Solar Panels

  Westchester Community College in Valhalla, New York is committed to protecting the environment. Among our efforts is “Between River and Sound,” a faculty development project which teaches faculty to incorporate environmental sustainability topics into their curricula. This project was funded by a grant from Con Edison. The video shows how faculty cover sustainability topics in diverse subject areas ranging from English to Accounting, Fashion Merchandising, and Psychology. Meanwhile, the college is protecting the environment and saving money with our new solar panels on the roof of the gym. In addition, we opened the county’s first LEED certified green building, The Gateway Center.

• Community Garden

  Assistant Dean Talbert Spence spoke at last week’s dedication of a new community garden next to the Virginia Marx Children’s Center.

• Go NativeU

  This video features Carol Capobianco, Director, The Native Plant Center at Westchester Community College, and two instructors of Go Native U who also serve as volunteer coordinators of the certificate program.

• Westchester Community College Campus Tour

  Students Ben and Anissa take a short tour of Westchester Community College’s 218-acre main campus in Valhalla, New York.

• Welcome Video

  Admissions Director Gloria Leon invites you to explore Westchester Community College located in Valhalla, New York.