District of Columbia Community College Programs: A Comprehensive Overview
The University of the District of Columbia Community College (UDC-CC) plays a vital role in providing accessible higher education and workforce development opportunities to the residents of Washington, D.C. As an open-enrollment, public community college, UDC-CC offers a range of programs, including associate degrees, certificates, continuing education courses, and workforce development initiatives. This article explores the history, programs, and locations of UDC-CC, highlighting its significance within the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) system.
Historical Roots and Evolution
The University of the District of Columbia is both old and new. The seeds of higher education for the District were planted in 1851 when Myrtilla Miner founded a school for colored girls. The origins of UDC-CC can be traced back to the mid-19th century with the establishment of institutions dedicated to teacher training. The Normal School for Colored Girls, founded in 1851 by Myrtilla Miner, marked the beginning of this journey. In 1879, Miner Normal School became a part of the public school system. Similarly, Washington Normal School, established in 1873, as a school for white girls, was renamed Wilson Normal School in 1913.
In 1929, the United States Congress made both schools four-year teachers' colleges and renamed as "Miner Teachers College" for African Americans and "Wilson Teachers College" for whites. These institutions, Miner Teachers College and Wilson Teachers College, became the sole providers of public higher education in the city. However, advanced technical training or study for liberal arts degree was an unattainable goal for residents who did not wish to become teachers or who were both black and poor. Years of persistent lobbying for comprehensive public higher education by District residents and others caused President John F. Kennedy, in 1963, to appoint a commission to study the Districts needs. It was no surprise that the Chase Commission found a definite and compelling need for public higher education in the District of Columbia. The Commissions report stimulated congressional action. Under the leadership of Senator Wayne Morse and Congressman Ancher Nelson, the Public Education Act (Public Law 89-791) was enacted in 1966. Two schools were established: Federal City College, whose Board of Higher Education was appointed by the Mayor of the District of Columbia, and Washington Technical Institute, whose Board of Vocational Education was appointed by the President of the United States. As a sign of hope for the future, both schools proudly opened their doors in 1968. There were so many applications for admission to Federal City College that students were selected by lottery. Congress passed more than 100 years after the passing of first Morrill Land Grant. College Act Federal City College and the Washington Technical Institute achieved land grant status in 1968. Rapidly, the two schools grew in academic stature. Although the schools were in their infancy, thoughts turned to a comprehensive university structure. In 1969, the District of Columbia Teachers College, the city's oldest teacher training institution, was placed under the jurisdiction of the Board of Higher Education.
The consolidation of these institutions occurred in 1977, leading to the formation of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC).
The Emergence of UDC Community College
Beginning with the 2009-10 academic year, UDC's programs were split and the UDC Community College (UDC-CC) assumed UDC's associate degree, Certificate, Continuing Education and Workforce Development programs, with UDC's other colleges and schools going forward with the bachelor and graduate degree programs. The 2009-10 year was a transition period where UDC-CC operated from the UDC campus while a new location for its programs was being developed. This restructuring allowed UDC to focus on bachelor's and graduate programs while UDC-CC concentrated on providing accessible community college education and workforce training.
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Academic Programs Offered
UDC-CC offers a diverse range of academic programs designed to meet the needs of its students and the local workforce. These programs include:
- Associate Degrees: UDC-CC provides associate degrees in various fields, offering students a pathway to further education or direct entry into the workforce.
- Certificate Programs: These programs offer focused training in specific skills and industries, providing students with valuable credentials for career advancement.
- Continuing Education: UDC-CC offers a variety of continuing education courses for personal and professional development, catering to lifelong learners.
- Workforce Development: These programs are designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in high-demand industries, contributing to the economic growth of the District of Columbia.
Locations and Accessibility
The main (Van Ness) campus of UDC is located at Connecticut Avenue and Van Ness St. in Northwest Washington, DC. Bertie Backus: 5171 S. Dakota Ave. ^
UDC-CC operates from multiple locations to enhance accessibility for students across the District of Columbia.
Significance and Impact
UDC-CC plays a crucial role in the higher education landscape of Washington, D.C. As an open-enrollment institution, it provides opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to access quality education and training. By offering programs aligned with workforce needs, UDC-CC contributes to the economic development of the District and empowers individuals to achieve their career goals.
Key People
The University of the District of Columbia Community College (UDC-CC) is led by a team of dedicated individuals who oversee its academic programs and operations.
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- Chairman: Christopher Bell
- Provost: Dr. Lawrence T. Potter
- Dean: Dr. Marilyn Hamilton
- Chief Academic Officer: Dr. Lawrence T.
From Consolidation to the Present Day
After Congress granted limited home rule to the District of Columbia, D.C. Law 1-36 authorized the mandate for consolidation of the three schools in 1975. A new Board of Trustees took office in May 1976, consisting of 11 members appointed by the Mayor, three appointed by the alumni associations. The Board of Trustees, acting to effect the consolidation, assigned Presidents Wendell P. Russell of Federal City College and Cleveland L. Dennard of Washington Technical Institute to work jointly in identifying, developing, and implementing tasks required to complete the effort. Beginning in February 1977, 22 tasks forces were formed to develop recommendations for Board action. On August 1, 1977, the Board of Trustees publicly announced the consolidation of the District of Columbia Teachers College, the Federal City College, and the Washington Technical Institute into the University of the District of Columbia under a single management system. In 1977, under the direction of President Carter, academic components began planning for consolidation of academic programs. From 1994 to the present, new academic consolidations have been implemented. The University currently offers 75 undergraduate and graduate academic degree programs through the following college and schools: College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business and Public Administration, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law.
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