CT State Community College begins classes

"

Community College students across our state started classes Wednesday. All 12 CT State Community College campuses are open and still going after some turbulent times. "We're getting the students situated helping them find their classes and where to go. Giving them resources. So the first day has been wonderful," said Dr Patricia Benson, CT State Housatonic CEO. The name on the building may have changed but educators at CT State Housatonic in Bridgeport say students are still signing up for affordable resources. "We're still providing quality education. We have programs in Allied Health. We have programs in manufacturing," said Benson. Over the last couple of years as all 12 state community colleges consolidated because of layoffs and budget cuts. Every year they plead with the state for more funding to keep students coming back. "I'm a little nervous. I haven't been here. I didn't even go to orientation," said CT State Norwalk student Katherine Sandoval. Sandoval, who is from Stamford, wants to be a nurse. "I'm pretty excited so far because I can start studying what I've always wanted but pretty nerve racking at first," said CT State Norwalk student Antonio Lopez. Lopez, also from Stamford, wants to eventually go to UConn and pursue architecture. The CT State Community College system has survived and become the largest community college system in the Northeast and the sixth-largest in the nation. It has placed third in the nation by WalletHub. "It's a much more affordable cost for them to come and then they can go from there," said Benson. Administrators say there is still time to sign up for classes this week if you missed out. "