Transition to College & Careers
Transition to College & Careers (TCC) is a free program offered both days and evenings designed to help adult students prepare for college and identify a career path. We offer free versions of developmental English & Math to help students get to college level. We also offer a variety of content courses each semester (Public Speaking, Introduction to Health Careers, Criminal Justice, Sociology, etc) as a way for students to explore courses and strengthen skills. In addition to this, the program offers College Success which is a group that focuses on strategies to be successful in college.
About TCC
Supportive Learning Community
- College Success
- Intensive Advising
- Group Advising
- Cohort Style Classes
Flexibility
- Day & Evening Options
- Daytime In person or Evening remote on zoom
Courses Offered (cohort style)
- English: 085, 095
- Math: 011, 012, 013
- Content Courses: Public Speaking, Introduction to Health Careers, Introduction to Sociology, Intimate Relationships, Introduction to Criminal Justice.
(The cohort classes are offered in a non credit format, making them free and lower risk than traditional credit bearing courses. TCC has articulation agreements with the various departments so students can obtain credit for prior learning after earning a C- or better in the course.)
College Success
- Strategies to be successful in college (example: Time management, Self Care, Goal Setting, Effective Study Habits, Self Advocacy, College Navigation, Problem Solving, Motivation, Basic Technology, etc.)
- Introduction to resources available on campus
- Assistance with applying to college, financial aid, scholarships, and Mass Reconnect.
After Completion of TCC, Students will:
- Have some courses under their belt with credit for prior learning (CPL).
- Have applied for college & financial aid.
- Understand how to access resources on campus
- Know how to navigate the college system.
- Have the tools necessary to feel confident and achieve academic self sufficiency.
- Be ready to enter into a degree or certificate program.
Many different kinds of students can benefit from the Transition to College & Careers program at Holyoke Community College. Here are a few examples.
Sammy dropped out of high school in tenth grade. At age 23, he earned his high school equivalency through HiSET. He is good at working with computers. He would like to go to college to get a certificate in computer networking, but he's not sure where to start.
Alicia is 45 years old and her kids are now grown. She has always wanted to start her own business, but she doesn't feel confident she can do it on her own. If she understood finances better, she would feel more capable of starting her own business.
Martin has worked for the same landscaping company for 20 years but his company has just laid him off. For years he has coached youth soccer as a volunteer. He thinks he would like to get a human services degree so he can work with at-risk youth.
Omar is an ESOL student who is working as a CNA. They want to earn a degree in Nursing at Holyoke Community College but need some foundational coursework and navigation to get started.
Isabel's employer is encouraging her to attend college for an associates degree. Her employer values her work and says she can get a promotion once she earns her degree. Isabel took the college placement exam and was placed into English 095 and Math 011.
The Day Program is on campus & in-person
The Evening Program is remote 2-3 evenings a week.
Classes run with the regular HCC Academic Calendar. We accept students for both the Fall & Spring semesters.
The length of the program will depend on the student. Students stay 1-3 semesters, depending on what they need & achieve in the program.
Requirements:
Have completed a HiSET, GED, or highschool diploma.
Plan to enter into a degree or certificate program after completing the TCC program.
Application Process (no fee to apply!)
Fill out the Inquiry Form or email tcc@hcc.eduA member of the team will reach out to you to schedule an intake & guide you through the next steps, which include taking the HCC Math & English placement test.
Acceptance is based on academic skills, motivation, level of commitment, and ability to meet attendance requirements. Full participation is a key to success!
Questions? Please email tcc@hcc.edu
"My Fears Were Put to Rest"
Hear from TCC grad Gabriel Santiago about his path to college.
"Best Decision I Ever Made!"
TCC grad Godknows Agbodo explains why he values the relationships he built with teachers and classmates in the TCC program.
"Best Price – It's Free!"
TCC Director Marie Troppe explains that students pay no money for the TCC class (no tuition, no fees, no book costs).
"Math Doesn't Have to Be a Barrier"
TCC instructor Dorothy VanDeCarr offers advice and reassurance to students who have math anxiety or don't think they're good at math.
Student Experience
Learn about the TCC student experience.
Figuring Out the Best Path for You
Are you wondering, "What if I don't know what I want to study?" or "If I already know what I want to study, how can I benefit from career advising?"
Growth Mindset
Learn about the "growth mindset" that drives Transition to College & Careers' work!
-
"My Fears Were Put to Rest"
Hear from TCC grad Gabriel Santiago about his path to college.
-
"Best Decision I Ever Made!"
TCC grad Godknows Agbodo explains why he values the relationships he built with teachers and classmates in the TCC program.
-
"Best Price – It's Free!"
TCC Director Marie Troppe explains that students pay no money for the TCC class (no tuition, no fees, no book costs).
-
"Math Doesn't Have to Be a Barrier"
TCC instructor Dorothy VanDeCarr offers advice and reassurance to students who have math anxiety or don't think they're good at math.
-
Student Experience
Learn about the TCC student experience.
-
Figuring Out the Best Path for You
Are you wondering, "What if I don't know what I want to study?" or "If I already know what I want to study, how can I benefit from career advising?"
-
Growth Mindset
Learn about the "growth mindset" that drives Transition to College & Careers' work!
