MCCC’s West Campus: Pottstown’s Engine for Opportunity
A shoe shine factory. An energy substation. A train depot. Over the last 22 years, Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) has reimagined these vestiges of Pottstown’s past as West Campus, an academic hub that has grown alongside the community. In the two decades since the College laid roots in Pottstown, MCCC’s offerings have evolved to meet the educational needs of the community across a broad spectrum of industries.
“Our goal is to invest in West Campus so MCCC can continue to provide and enhance a wide range of educational opportunities for students of all ages and stages of life, strengthening our long-term commitment to the area,” said MCCC President Dr. Kevin Pollock. “We are proud to serve as an anchor of the Pottstown community.”
Without leaving Pottstown, students have the opportunity to pursue interests that focus on in-demand and emerging careers, and earn an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree along the way. West Campus programs provide not only classroom instruction but also practical, real-life experiences that translate directly to the workplace.
“Whether you are looking to change careers or are charting a course to your first job, we provide the tools and resources to make those goals achievable,” said MCCC Vice President of Workforce Development and West Campus Dr. David DiMattio. “Many of our students are balancing demanding work and personal lives with their education, so quality programs, a flexible format, and a convenient location for our Pottstown area students are our first concerns.”
The College’s University Center enables students to seamlessly advance their associate degree into a bachelor’s degree and beyond. Through partnerships with Albright College, Alvernia University, and Chestnut Hill College, an advanced degree is within reach without ever leaving West Campus.
However, the path to a fruitful career does not always have to include a degree. MCCC’s Workforce Development Division, headquartered at West Campus, provides flexible, high-quality training programs to individuals, businesses and organizations in Montgomery County.
By working closely with employers to develop training solutions that benefit both the business and employee, MCCC prepares students to pursue careers in diverse fields, from information technology to manufacturing to real estate.
The resources West Campus offers Pottstown are not limited to degrees and career training. Free and open to the community, the West Campus Fine Arts Gallery connects the College to Pottstown’s vibrant art scene. The gallery features an array of work by students, faculty, and local artists, with exhibits changing throughout the year. Performances by the West End Student Theatre, lectures from faculty, and events such as the Community Career Fair, showcase West Campus’s talent and offer opportunities for families to take advantage of West Campus resources in their own backyard.