The Links Program at MCC is a comprehensive transition to college program that provides its target population of non-traditional learners with the academic, college-going and life skills necessary to attend a college degree or certificate program, and establish a career path. In addition to the coursework, the program includes intensive case management, monthly academic updates, and ongoing advising to ensure that each student develops and completes an Individualized Education and Career Plan; use of a cohort model whereby students complete core classes together, which creates a community of learners who are supportive of one another; and connection to MCC academic and financial aid advisors to ensure a positive, seamless transition to college certificate and degree programs.
To achieve its goal of a positive transition to college level programs, Links provides coursework that addresses the needs of its target audience including developmental pre-college requirements as well as the initial steps to earning college-level credits. Designed to meet the needs of adult and non-traditional students who have attended ESE adult education programs, the Links Transition to College Program offers week-day classes with a schedule that is planned so that students are only required to be on campus two days per week. The courses provided to the students in the Links Program are the same developmental math and writing classes, and the same Interdisciplinary seminars, First Year Experience and Career Exploration, as those taught mainstream at MCC. Links students can also fulfill the required college level English Composition I through the Links Program. A fundamental goal of the Links Program is to ensure that its students have established college level skills in math and English and fulfilled any needed developmental coursework by the completion of Links.
Although students may enter Links with the goal of completing a college degree, their ultimate objective is a job and career path with family sustaining wages. Healthcare is one example of a local in-demand industry that the Links Program helps students connect to, and advance in. For example, Links has helped students who came to the program to gain the math and writing skills to succeed in the entrance exam for the LPN training. Other examples include students who have earned their degrees in Nursing and Radiologic Technology at MCC as well as several students who had their academic start with Links and went on to earn a certificate through the college's Academy of Health Professions such as certificates as Nursing Assistants, Medical Receptionists, Medical Office Administrators.
The program, which was originally offered only at the Bedford Campus, was expanded to the Lowell Campus in FY18 to enrusre that the population of this urban center had access as well and additional courses sections will be offered in Lowell during FY21.
This program may be offered remotely.
