Standing here, it’s easy to see why Bunker Hill Community College is so vital. Bunker Hill Community College or BHCC, as it’s often called, began in 1973. It started in Boston’s Charlestown neighborhood. The main campus sits on the old Charlestown State Prison site. That prison closed in 1955.
BHCC has grown to be the largest community college in Massachusetts. Over 13000 students enroll each year. They attend classes during the day, evening, and weekends. BHCC also offers online courses. The college is known for its diverse student body. About 24% of students are African-American. Another 24% are white. 24% are Latino. More than half the students are women. The average age is 27. BHCC also welcomes over 800 international students. They come from about 100 countries. They speak more than 75 languages.
Since 1987, BHCC has operated a campus in Chelsea. It serves residents of nearby communities. In 1998, the Chelsea campus moved to a former post office. BHCC also has a Pathway Technology Campus in Boston’s South End. This campus helps residents earn GEDs and take college classes. Since 2007, BHCC has had a satellite campus in East Boston. It offers health courses in the evenings. In 2009, BHCC opened a satellite location at Malden High School.
Bunker Hill Community College offers over 100 degree and certificate programs. Nearly 55% of students receive financial aid. Many students are the first in their families to attend college. A large number of students are also parents. BHCC provides support beyond the classroom. The DISH Food Pantry and Single Stop office help students access resources. The Veterans Center and Disability Support Services offer personalized help.
BHCC is a member of the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association. Its sports teams are called the Bulldogs. Men’s and women’s teams compete in soccer and basketball. Women also play volleyball. Men play baseball.
BHCC encourages students to study abroad. Scholarships help students incorporate summer study abroad into their programs. The Learn and Earn program connects students with paid internships. These internships are with top companies and organizations in Greater Boston.
Pam Y. Eddinger became Bunker Hill Community College’s seventh president in 2013. The college was even featured in the movie Good Will Hunting. Sean Maguire, played by Robin Williams, taught there in the film.
BHCC alumni have gone on to do great things. Dana Rosenblatt was a boxer. Stephen Stat Smith became a state representative. Tamerlan Tsarnaev, one of the Boston Marathon bombers, attended BHCC for three semesters. Betsy Warrior was a feminist and author. Bobby Kelly is a comedian. Walter Varela is a professional soccer player.
Bunker Hill Community College stands as a beacon of opportunity. It welcomes students from all walks of life. It helps them achieve their educational and career goals. It is a place where everyone can belong and thrive.