By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – Erie Community College is rolling out some high-tech, high demand programs to attract new students to its expanded campus downtown. The college begins classes January 22 in its newly acquired and renovated building at 45 Oak Street.
ECC has jumped on the popularity of such shows as "CSI" and "Law and Order" to draw prospective students. The one million dollar renovation brings state-of the-art class space for two new, high demand certificate programs - Crime Scene Investigation and Homeland Security. ECC Interim President Bill Rueter said students will get the real flavor and hands on experience needed for these real world jobs.
The additional space also features patient simulators for ECC's expanded nursing program. The college expects to double the number of students in the program at its downtown campus, while maintaining classes at the north campus as well.
Radiology, paralegal and criminal justice programs are also expected to see a jump in enrollment downtown. And Rueter said there is still room - and time for students to sign up for classes.
Erie County Legislator Barabara Miller Williams represents the 3rd District which she said will benefit from the ECC expansion. She applauds the growth and said it will be tremendous for the residents and businesses in her district.
But Miller Williams said that, for now, a bigger expansion - with a planned new $38 million building - will have to wait. She said it will take time to win the support of her suburban colleagues.
That project will also need to get a green light from the Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority, and the new county executive, who has for now reserved decision on any future ECC downtown campus expansion.
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