Danbury, Conn. – On Monday June 24, Naugatuck Valley Community College (NVCC) and Danbury community leaders met to discuss ways of strengthening area businesses through higher education.

Hosted by NVCC, the meeting brought together leaders including NVCC President Daisy Cocco De Filippis Ph. D.; Western Connecticut State University President James Schmotter, Ph. D.; Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton; and State Representative Richard Smith (R-New Fairfield). The conversation centered on improving the educational and economic future of the city’s college and workforce-aged communities.

Judge of Probate Dianne Yamin said they were encouraged by the growth of NVCC’s Danbury Center, seeing a 15 percent enrollment increase from spring 2012-2013.  By continuing to enhance, expand and create programs within Danbury Center, NVCC is positioned to continue meeting the needs of the business community in both credit and non-credit programs.

“What makes the Naugatuck Valley Community College so special is their ability to create a ‘ready’ workforce,” Mayor Boughton said. “They excel not only on the academic side, but also prepare students for a work culture as well.”

Beginning in academic year 2013-2014, the NVCC Danbury Center will offer all courses to support students completing their A.S. degree in Business Management or General Studies and their certificates in Administrative Support or Business Management. Danbury Center now offers 47 registered certificates. President De Filippis shared the College’s interest in acquiring, 18,000 square foot space next year to accommodate growth at Danbury Center.

“The best towns to grow up in, and retire in, are college towns, because of the vibrancy of a young workforce, the culture produced through arts and humanities programs, and so many more reasons,” Judge Yamin said. “We’re very excited about the impact Naugatuck Community College has had, and continues to make within the community.”

Mayor Boughton and Danbury Economic Development Director Bruce Tuomala emphasized the City of Danbury would greatly benefit if NVCC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center would expand within the Danbury area. NVCC graduated its first cohort of AMTC students at its Waterbury campus this spring, after opening a state-of-the-art manufacturing center last year.

Other areas of discussion focused on helping students bridge the gap between college life and a career through internships and mentoring, as well as creating an affordable, supportive environment where young people can thrive. NVCC plans to circulate a student survey to clearly determine the needs within its Danbury campus.