Roxbury Community College

Roxbury Community College is a public community college located in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. The college is part of the Massachusetts Public Higher Education system and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Roxbury Community College has partnerships with several institutions, including Harvard University, Boston University, and the University of Massachusetts Boston. The college offers various programs, including those in health sciences, business administration, and liberal arts, and has articulation agreements with Northeastern University, Suffolk University, and Emerson College.

● History

Roxbury Community College was established in 1973 as a result of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education's efforts to expand access to higher education in the Boston area. The college's founding was influenced by the Civil Rights Movement and the War on Poverty, with the goal of providing educational opportunities to underserved communities, including those in Roxbury and Dorchester. The college's early development was shaped by the leadership of Boston Mayor Kevin White and Massachusetts Governor Francis Sargent. Roxbury Community College has since become a vital institution in the Boston community, with a strong focus on workforce development and community engagement, partnering with organizations such as the Boston Foundation, The Boston Globe, and WGBH.

● Academics

Roxbury Community College offers a range of academic programs, including associate's degrees and certificate programs in fields such as nursing, criminal justice, and computer science. The college is also a member of the Massachusetts Community College system, which includes institutions such as Bunker Hill Community College, MassBay Community College, and Quinsigamond Community College. Roxbury Community College has transfer agreements with several four-year institutions, including Tufts University, Wellesley College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The college's academic programs are designed to prepare students for careers in fields such as healthcare, technology, and social services, with many graduates going on to work for organizations such as Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Medical Center, and the City of Boston.

● Campus

The Roxbury Community College campus is located in the heart of the Roxbury neighborhood, with easy access to public transportation, including the MBTA Orange Line and Silver Line. The campus features a range of facilities, including the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center, which hosts events such as the Boston Indoor Games and the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix. The college is also home to the Roxbury Community College Library, which provides access to a range of resources, including e-books, databases, and online journals, and has partnerships with libraries such as the Boston Public Library and the Harvard University Library. Roxbury Community College has a strong commitment to sustainability, with initiatives such as energy-efficient buildings and recycling programs, and has received recognition from organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Sierra Club.

● Student Life

Roxbury Community College offers a range of student life activities, including clubs, organizations, and athletic teams. The college is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association and competes in sports such as basketball, soccer, and track and field, with teams competing against institutions such as Holyoke Community College, Springfield Technical Community College, and Bristol Community College. Roxbury Community College also has a strong focus on community service, with students participating in volunteer programs such as Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross, and has partnerships with organizations such as the United Way and the Salvation Army. The college's student government is active in promoting student interests and hosting events such as the Roxbury Community College Festival, which features performances by artists such as Berklee College of Music students and Boston Symphony Orchestra musicians.

● Notable Alumni

Roxbury Community College has a range of notable alumni, including politicians, business leaders, and artists. Alumni have gone on to attend institutions such as Harvard University, MIT, and Boston College, and have worked for organizations such as Google, Microsoft, and IBM. Notable alumni include Massachusetts State Representative Linda Dorcena Forry, Boston City Councilor Tito Jackson, and poet Regie Gibson, who have all made significant contributions to their fields, with recognition from organizations such as the National Association of Black Journalists, the Boston NAACP, and the Massachusetts Black Legislative Caucus. Roxbury Community College is proud of its alumni and their achievements, and continues to support their success through initiatives such as career counseling and alumni networking events, which have featured speakers such as Deval Patrick, John Kerry, and Elizabeth Warren.