QVCC Workforce Development and Continuing Ed: Spring Open House, Programs, and LiR Continuing Ed Scholarship Fund Exceeds $50,000

The Quinebaug Valley Community College Workforce Development and Continuing Education Department has expanded in staff, programs, and funding.  With the recent growth of tuition assistance funds, more community members will have the opportunity for low or no-cost training to advance or start a career.

Patricia Meyer, the new Director of Workforce Development and Continuing Education, comes to QVCC from Fredrick Community College, MD with extensive experience in leading Workforce Development programs. Jennifer Armstrong, Continuing Education Aide and QVCC alumna, previously worked as a student worker at QVCC and is supporting enrollment of Workforce Development students.

The community is invited to attend one of the upcoming open house events to learn more about short-term workforce training options for this spring. Virtual Open House dates are January 13 or 20, from 5 – 6 p.m., and an in-person event is scheduled for the QVCC Willimantic location, 729 Main Street, on January 18 from 3p-4p. QVCC is offering courses in Certified Nursing Assistant, Introduction to Medical Cannabis, Computer Skills, Pharmacy Technician, Real Estate, Business Leadership Series, Business Office Professional, Project Management, Dementia Care, MLT National Exam Preparation, and Veterinary Assistant. More courses will be added in the spring including the popular Motorcycle Basic Riders Course.

Twenty-seven years ago, community leaders started Learning in Retirement (now called LiR) at Quinebaug Community College to offer advanced learning and social opportunities for adults in the Quiet Corner. In 2008, as a thank you to the college, LiR started an endowed scholarship fund for those students seeking a college degree and reached a goal of $50,000 in 2012. Bill Brower, former LiR President and QVCC Foundation member stated, “In 2012, LiR decided to endow another fund for students seeking professional certifications which would provide for better jobs/better lives. This year, despite not meeting because of COVID, we reached another $50,000.00 goal.”  QVCC Director of Institutional Advancement, Monique Wolanin stated, “QVCC is made better thanks to our long relationship with LiR as part of our learning community. In addition to their course offerings, LiR Members volunteer at College and Foundation events, serve as QVCC Foundation Members, and thanks to the generosity of many members, provide annual scholarships to both credit and workforce development students. LiR has endowed two funds totaling over $100,000!”.

More information:

To register for an open house event: January 13 OR January 20    January 18 In -person
Learn more about workforce development programs
Application for the application for tuition assistance and payment options

Questions and Contact Information: 860.932.4005 or Email

Released January 7, 2022

Eighteen Students Complete QVCC’s CNA Program and Receive Jobs

Westview Health Care Center CNAsDespite the impediments presented by the Covid-19 outbreak earlier this spring, 18 students have successfully completed Quinebaug Valley Community College’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program and received jobs in the respective fields.

“Back in March I remember telling the CNA students that although it was unclear when we would return to class, we would meet back at the finish line — I never thought that would be five months later! I am so proud of this outstanding group of 18 students that returned to complete the program. They did not allow Covid to ruin their plans, just postpone them a bit,” said Stephanie Majewski, course instructor. “There is such a need in our community right now for qualified CNAs, especially in our long-term care facilities. This fall, QVCC will continue to provide CNA training through a hybrid program, featuring both online learning and in person lab components. I look forward to meeting our future CNAs!”

QVCC is proud to share that each of the 18 students received jobs following completion of the course, seven of which were hired locally by Westview Health Care Center, situated in Dayville, CT.

“We are truly excited to welcome several new QVCC Certified Nursing Assistant graduates to our Westview family,” stated David T. Panteleakos, Administrator. “The CNA training and certification program at Quinebaug Valley Community College is absolutely invaluable to the health care industry and our community.”

The demand for CNAs in our area is extremely high. The hands-on experience offered at QVCC can further your education as a nurse or in other health care fields. QVCC is offering a hybrid CNA course beginning on September 14, in addition to a section that will be added in October. Anyone who is interested in registering should contact Amanda Giles at agiles@qvcc.edu to be added to the waitlist. The cost of the class is $1250 with tuition assistance available.

Course Information

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Next class begins October 12
Cost: $1,250
*Tuition assistance available; May be eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) or SNAP funds*