Mar 29, 2024  
2020 - 2021 College Catalog 
    
2020 - 2021 College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Workforce Development & Continuing Education The GREAT Center



Telephone: (203) 285-2300

The mission of the GREAT Center, Gateway’s Resource, Education and Training Center, is to be the educator of choice for a high quality workforce. Our responsive and tiered approach meets the evolving educational and technological needs of students. We provide comprehensive skill development that supports our region’s economic advancement.

Business and Industry Services

Skill development and enhancement is the key to growth in new and established businesses in South Central Connecticut. A sample of the training programs available are:

  • Professional Development
  • Industry Specific Skills
  • Computer Training
  • Customized On-Site Training

Workforce Development and Certificate Programs

The GREAT Center offers non-credit certificate programs to dislocated workers, those who need updated or additional industry-recognized credentials, and those seeking entry-level skills that lead to employment or higher-level education. Full certificate programs are approved by the regional Workforce Investment Board and meet the criteria for inclusion on the Connecticut Department of Labor’s Eligible Training Program List (ETPL). Many have also been approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Connecticut Department of Higher Education for G.I. Bill benefits.

Certificate programs include (See funding descriptions below – Y-Yes/Approved, N-No/Not Approved, P-Pending Approval):

Course Certification SNAP* WIOA** Veteran’s Affairs***
A+ CompTIA Computer Technician Industry Y Y Y
Bookkeeping National Y Y Y
Business Analyst National N Y N
Business Professional (Microsoft 16 & Windows 10) Industry Y Y Y
Community Health Worker Industry Y Y P
Customer Service Industry Y Y P
Digital Media & Web Design Industry Y Y P
EMR Industry Y Y P
Food Handler, Alcohol and Manager ServSafe National Y Y N
Medical Office Associate Industry Y Y Y
Patient Care Technician (includes Phlebotomy and EKG) National Y Y P
Patient Navigator Industry   Y P
Pharmacy Technician National Y Y Y
Manufacturing Pipeline Industry Y Y Y
Real Estate Principles & Practices State N Y Y
Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics, (TDL) Technician Certificate National Y Y P
Web Design National Y Y N

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Federal and state grants administered for employment and training to those eligible. Contact the program coordinator for seat availability, requirements and orientation dates.*

Workforce Investment and Opportunities Act (WIOA): Funded programs approved by the Workforce Investment Board and listed as an approved provider on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) through the CT Hires website.**

Veteran’s Affairs: Funded programs approved by the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs and the Connecticut Department of Higher Education for G.I. Bill benefits.***

SNAP, WIOA, and VA Assistance programs are subject to change and based on seat availability. Please refer to the GREAT Center’s most current catalog or contact the program coordinator for information.

A non-credit certificate program may be taken in its entirety, or as independent, selected courses. Programs are offered in modules, with rolling start dates and held at various times during the day, evening and weekends to accommodate the needs of all students.

Continuing Education & Enrichment

The GREAT Center’s continuing education and enrichment division provides affordable learning opportunities for individuals and groups that are designed for personal development and recreational or leisure activities. Popular programs include:

  • Connecticut Basic Boating certification
  • Motorcycle Rider courses for beginner and experienced riders
  • Sidecar and trike education (S/TEP)/3-Wheels Course
  • Microsoft Office Basics

Step Forward

Director: (203) 285-2505

The Step Forward Programs (SFP) offer young adults with various disabilities a two-tiered, comprehensive, transition program designed to enhance self-advocacy, interpersonal skills, financial literacy, study skills and work readiness. The program began in 2005 and has worked with young adults (18-21) from across the State of Connecticut. Students work within a cohort model where they receive individualized attention. The components include:

  • Step Forward I is a 10-month transition program for young adults (18-21) with mild cognitive disabilities. This non-credit certificate program focuses on workplace readiness and college readiness along with self-advocacy skills. In addition to classroom instruction, students participating within this tier are placed in a community or campus-based work experience.
  • Step Forward II and High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder Program* is a two semester program designed for those students who have successfully completed Step Forward I and are academically and socially qualified to move into an academically focused program at Gateway. Students in year II will focus on the career objectives identified through the first year by engaging in related college coursework and work experience. Students may take up to two, 3-credit classes at Gateway and are required to attend additional non-credit seminars to enhance study, time management, and organizational skills.

*High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder Program is designed for students on the autism spectrum who are academically qualified to enroll in classes at Gateway Community College. The program offers an additional level of support, beyond the federally mandated ADA (disability) services. Students must apply for admission to Gateway Community College and take the placement test to determine appropriate classes. Students requiring academic accommodations must register for disability services.

Services include case management to students in order to monitor student progress by providing academic and disability-related counseling, referrals to appropriate college and community-based resources, and assistance with college procedures including admissions, financial aid, academic advising, registration, and accessing disability services. Students are also required to participate in an unpaid work experience.

Boot Camps – Math and English Readiness

Program Coordinator (203) 285-2203

Gateway offers free prep courses in the subject areas of Math and English. These ‘boot camps’ are for students wishing to refresh their basic skill s and improve their ACCUPLACER scores. Attending a boot camp will provide students with the opportunity to become familiar with the Gateway campus, review their basic Math and English skills, and build confidence. After successfully completing the boot camp, students may retake the ACCUPLACER test and possibly place into a higher level course therefore saving TIME AND MONEY. Boot camps are for students who are motivated, hard-working and able to commit to attending all sessions of the program.