August 24, 2018 — Middlesex Community College and the Midstate Chamber of Commerce joined together to celebrate the one-year anniversary of MxCC@Platt in Meriden with a special Business After Hours ribbon-cutting event on Thursday, August 23, 2018. MxCC Interim Campus CEO and Academic Dean Steven Minkler and Chamber President Séan Moore welcomed area business, state, and municipal representatives to learn about a variety of programs offered by the college in this unique partnership with the Meriden Board of Education.
“It’s a thrill to be here, because it was only a few years ago that we were looking at the possibility of the Meriden program being shut down forever,” said State Senator Len Suzio. “And here we are today and the program is bigger and better than ever.”
MxCC@Platt began in August 2017 as a one-year pilot program with a variety of classes in session Monday through Thursday between 3:30 and 8:15 p.m. With the continuation of the partnership, MxCC@Platt is also introducing biology courses this fall in addition to offering certified nurse aide certification, English and math fundamentals, and human services and computer courses, and more. MxCC@Platt also provides tutoring, academic advising, student services, and online library resources in the leading-edge facility.
The partnership with Meriden schools provides a limited number of seats in all MxCC@Platt courses that will be free of charge to academically qualified Platt and Maloney high school students and Meriden school-system employees. This will make it possible for these students to get a head start on their college careers, whether they eventually attend MxCC or not.
“Last year, we attracted 20 Meriden high school students who took advantage of the partnership, saving them about $50,000 in tuition and fees. That’s a fabulous opportunity we’re able to provide here,” said Dr. Minkler.
“What a great opportunity for our kids,” added Dr. Miguel Cardona, assistant superintendent for Meriden schools. “My first class was at Middlesex, and I remember the confidence I walked out of the class with. I know a lot of our students will benefit from the program.”
Attendees toured the 10 classrooms and the Platt media center where Moore addressed the group about the latest Chamber activities. “Middlesex has done a great job at keeping this place alive,” he said.
To register for Meriden classes, stop by MxCC@Platt, 220 Coe Ave., on Monday, August 27, from 2:30 to 7 p.m. Classes begin in Meriden and Middletown on August 28. For more information, please visit https://mxcc.edu/meriden/.
Since 1966, Middlesex Community College has provided high-quality, affordable, and accessible education to a diverse population, enhancing the strengths of individuals through degree, certificate, and lifelong learning programs that lead to university transfer, employment, and an enriched awareness of our shared responsibilities as global citizens. A part of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system, MxCC offers more than 65 degree or certificate programs at the main 35-acre campus in Middletown, MxCC@Platt in Meriden, and online.
