After graduating high school I enrolled at MWCC because I was unsure what I wanted to major in. I intended to simply get some transferable credits while I figured out what to be when I grew up. Early on I took a programming course as an elective. Little did I know that was the start of my career. The faculty nurtured my curiosity and encouraged me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree after my Associate’s. At MWCC I learned all the fundamentals required to succeed in the field of software engineering. The CIS curriculum gives students a broad and solid foundation on which to build.
Student Program: Computer Information Systems
Gemini Walter
Gemini Walter completed his Associate degree at Mount Wachusett Community College in 2017, but it was a long journey for him that started with an effort just to get his GED. through the Adult Basic Education Transitions program. Gemini had dropped out of school but knew that the only way to move forward with his life was through education.
“I was only going to get my GED. I didn’t have any plans of going to college – I didn’t even know where to start, how to get the GED and transfer to college. I was just trying to get my GED and work for UPS. I didn’t have any real goals,” Gemini said.
The Regional Adult Education Center at MWCC offers free classes in Adult Basic Education, high school equivalency preparation, and English for Speakers of Other Languages. All day and evening classes are free of charge thanks to funding by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Employment Links, and the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation. The ABE program helps people get familiar with school and find success.
“Simple things like getting books and reading a syllabus, those are things I didn’t know anything about.  Transitions really changed my life. It helped me go from a GED student to a full-time college student and get a job at the college,” said Gemini.
After getting his GED, Gemini realized there were more opportunities if he continued with his education. At MWCC he flourished, becoming a student leader and finishing with his Associate degree.
Jose Herrera-Ruiz
“MWCC gave me a solid foundation that I keep building on in all of my classes at UMASS Lowell. It was a smart idea to get my associate’s degree first. It helped me with jobs in the short run so I could get my bachelor’s degree and still work full time.” Jose went on to earn a BS in Mechanical Engineering at UMass Lowell.
Ricardo Scarello
For those who are battling a disability, MWCC encouraged me and gave me a solid foundation to achieve my educational and career goals. There were times that I felt like giving up, but I kept moving forward and soon I will start a PhD program. It is all up to you.