Houghton College's New Program In Buffalo, NY Is Big Success With Immigrants
Buffalo, NY (PRWEB) September 10, 2015 -- Houghton College Buffalo has just begun the program’s second fall semester, and enrollment numbers are growing. The One Symphony Circle location is currently enrolling 33 students, and, while the student body expands, class sizes still retain their small structure, providing a close-knit community of learners.
This two-year associate of arts degree program is aimed at local city students, most of whom are new immigrants, and intends to prepare them for local jobs, community involvement, and/or continued education at a four-year college or university.
The educational opportunity that this program provides is proving to meet the needs of many new Americans on Buffalo’s West Side. Houghton is providing basic educational opportunities for these people in a hands-on way that enhances their chances of success.
As this program expands, it is seeing success with those traditionally viewed as at-risk or high-risk students.
“We focus on economically and culturally disadvantaged students and we are committed to a high-quality, focused education delivered within the means of our funding sources, which do not include student debt,” commented Cameron Airhart, dean of Houghton College Buffalo.
With a national average of a dismal three percent graduation rate for two-year associate’s degree-seeking students, Houghton College Buffalo is paced to far surpass that with an 81 percent graduation rate.
Over the course of this school year, the program will launch internships for their students. Beginning in the spring, 12 of the second-year students will have the opportunity to participate in an off-campus internship.
Through generous grants, the school is also quickly moving towards a major renovation set to be completed in early October. The school will also undergo a second renovation this spring to improve signage and renovate the kitchen and bathroom facilities.
“I am grateful for generous donors who believe in what we are doing and are behind the financing,” commented Airhart.
Houghton College Buffalo provides a diverse core of general education courses in writing, history, philosophy, social science, literature, communications, Bible, theology, mathematics and fine arts. Through these programs, a student can obtain an associate of arts degree in two years.
The facility is located at the historic First Presbyterian Church at One Symphony Circle and can be conveniently accessed from NFTA bus routes.
For information about the associate’s degree programs, please visit http://www.houghton.edu/buffalo.
Marshall Green, Houghton College, http://www.houghton.edu, 585.567.9211, [email protected]
Share this article