Holyoke Community College

Holyoke Community College (HCC) holds a distinctive place in Massachusetts higher education as the state's very first community college, established in 1946. It is a public institution known for its comprehensive offerings, including associate degrees, certificate programs, and robust transfer pathways designed to help students seamlessly transition to four-year institutions. Located in Holyoke, MA, HCC serves the Pioneer Valley with its 135-acre main campus and satellite locations, providing accessible and quality education.

HCC's history is unique, starting as the Holyoke Graduate School under municipal management before evolving into Holyoke Junior College and eventually Holyoke Community College under state jurisdiction. This pioneering spirit continued even after a devastating fire destroyed its building in 1968, leading to a community-backed effort that resulted in the opening of its current modern campus in 1974. With a legacy of strong leadership, HCC has had only four presidents in nearly 75 years, including Dr. Christina Royal, its first woman president.

Academically, HCC excels with accredited programs, notably its HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, the only culinary arts program in Massachusetts accredited by the American Culinary Federation. It also spearheads innovation with the state's first Cannabis Education Center, offering specialized certificate training. Students benefit from the Commonwealth Dual Enrollment Partnership (CDEP), allowing high schoolers to earn both high school and college credits. Furthermore, HCC enriches the student experience through unique agreements allowing enrolled students to complete coursework at prestigious institutions like Mount Holyoke and Smith College, sharing faculty and expanding academic opportunities. The college is fully accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, ensuring a high standard of educational quality.