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SCC Looking At New Programs

West Burlington, IA – Southeastern Community College is looking to expand its offerings. The move comes at a time when the college is facing a significant cut in funding.

President Beverly Simone says the college is considering cosmetology, animation technology, and helicopter pilot training as new two-year degree programs. She says the cosmetology and helicopter pilot training programs are being targeted because SCC was contacted by businesses interested in partnering with the school.

Simone says SCC could also expand its industrial technology program in Keokuk. She says the program would shift from a one-year certification to a two-year AAS degree.

Simone says the new programs could lead people to come to, or stay in, Southeast Iowa. She says keeping young people in Southeast Iowa is a goal of the college.

Simone says bringing new students to S-C-C could lessen the impact of a proposed cut of roughly $2-million in state funding. The cut is based on Iowa Governor Chet Culver's call for a 10%, across-the-board cut to make up for declining revenues.

Simone says the college must first inform other colleges and universities of its intent to create the new programs. She says curriculums must also be developed with the assistance of the Department of Education.

The programs must be approved by SCC's Board of Trustees. Simone says new instructors would be needed for the animation technology program, if approved by the panel.