United Group building $11 million Schenectady County Community College student housing

Schenectady County Community College (SCCC) will be opening its first college suites for occupancy in August. The 112,000 s/f facility, which first broke ground in November, will be located across from the SCCC's Washington Ave campus. "The prospect of new student housing is attracting students from outside of our usual recruitment area, including students from Oneida County, Warren County, and even New York City. It is also anticipated that students from outside of New York State will be attracted to SCCC," said Dr. Quintin Bullock, president of Schenectady County Community College. "SCCC offers an array of signature programs, including music, culinary arts, and aviation/air traffic control that are unique not only to the Capital District, but to the entire northeast." Denise Murphy McGraw, chair of SCCC's Board of Trustees, expressed that the board saw a significant need for the college suites. "The construction of the student suites is a critical component for the college's long-term strategic planning efforts. The college is now in a period of tremendous expansion and has increased enrollment. The housing was a necessary attribution to the institution." Troy-based United Group of Cos. is building the $11 million student housing facility which will include 264-bed units of suites, a community kitchen, flight simulator, fitness center, music room, study room, game room and a student lounge. Each suite comes fully furnished and includes full-size appliances, free cable and Internet/Wi-Fi. "We're thrilled to be able to develop and own this dynamic addition to the Schenectady landscape," said Alana Sparrow, director of marketing and communications for United Group. "We believe in the mission of Schenectady County Community College, and have found the entire Institution to be one of great honor and integrity. We looked forward to a strong partnership for years to come." The college expects an increase on enrollment of 1.5% for the 2012-13 school year, which will be directly attributed to the student housing. Currently, the college has an enrollment of 7,340. One of the 30 community colleges in the State University of New York system, the nation's largest comprehensive system of higher education, Schenectady County Community College in upstate New York enrolls over 7,000 students. SCCC offers more than 40 career degree, transfer degree and certificate programs. The College opened its doors for classes in 1969 and continues to provide affordable comprehensive higher education and adult educational opportunities in response to local educational needs.