With the fall semester underway, Greenfield Community College (GCC) is ushering in a new academic year with a strong focus on workforce-aligned education. Two new degree programs—Justice Studies and Surgical Technology—are now available to students, part of a broader effort to meet local and regional labor market demands while expanding learning opportunities.

Replacing the previous Criminal Justice concentration, the new Justice Studies associate degree offers a more inclusive and interdisciplinary approach to careers in public service. The program launched this fall with a full roster of 32 students. According to faculty and administrators, the change reflects both evolving public interest and the need for more holistic justice-related education.

“It was really for students who wanted to enter law enforcement directly after getting their associate degrees,” GCC Dean of Liberal Arts Blair Ruscitti noted. “It is still a place for students who want to enter law enforcement, but the curriculum has broadened a lot. Students who want to study the law or pursue careers in social work, correctional work — this is also a place for them.”

In response to regional healthcare shortages, GCC has also introduced a Surgical Technology associate degree. This hands-on program trains students to assist in surgical procedures as part of an operating room team—an essential role in hospitals and surgical centers. The first cohort includes nine students, nearly reaching the program’s initial enrollment cap. In particular, GCC’s allied health offerings, including Paramedic, EMT and Medical Assistant tracks, have consistently strong job placement rates. The addition of Surgical Technology adds another option to this portfolio, allowing students to pursue in-demand credentials without leaving the region.

From the outset, students are immersed in lab-based instruction, with clinical placements scheduled for later semesters to build real-world experience. The program’s development was guided by direct input from local hospitals and healthcare employers, ensuring students gain job-ready skills from day one.

GCC is also building on existing strengths. Two previously certificate-level programs—Environmental Conservation and Human Services—have now been expanded into full associate degrees. This gives students broader pathways to employment or further education in fields where demand continues to grow.

These latest academic developments reflect GCC's commitment to offering programs that align with real-world careers while staying responsive to student interests.