Everything that we do for students at York Technical College is guided by the principle of student success. From the admissions process through the graduation experience, York Tech is committed to helping its students be successful in every way possible.

Research on student success shows that students who take advantage of the resources their college provides are more likely to persist and ultimately be successful. For this reason, York Technical College provides a wide array of co-curricular programs, student support services, and leadership development opportunities for students from all walks of life.

To name a few, resources such as the A-GAME, a male mentoring leadership academy, the PROMISE Program, which helps to ease the transition into college, and the Tutoring Center all contribute to the success of our students. We want to ensure that all of our students have an equal opportunity at accomplishing their goals.

In addition to resources, our faculty has created student-centered learning environments where every student has the opportunity to have a highly personal educational experience. Unlike many larger institutions where students are just a number, at York Tech, students know their professors and professors know their students.

York Tech is committed to providing the highest quality learning environment for its students, which includes state-of-the-art facilities and technology. From nursing labs and manufacturing equipment, to our robust set of networked educational resources, students at York Tech have access to the latest and most effective educational tools available.

Success speaks for itself

On May 13, 2014, York Technical College students gathered at the Winthrop Coliseum to participate in the College’s 49th annual commencement. As family, friends, faculty and staff gathered to commemorate the accomplishments of 701 graduates, they were left with an inspiring message from commencement speaker and York Tech student Malik Williams: “No matter what you do, never give up, always believe in yourself and when you do that something great is bound to happen.”

Williams, who earned his Associate in Arts from York Tech, shared his journey during the ceremony to encourage his peers, and express his gratitude for the opportunity to complete his degree. He plans to continue his education at Winthrop University.  As one of nine children raised by a single mom in New York, Williams explained the adverse circumstances he was faced with growing up. “My mom did the best that she could and because of her I am the man who I am today,” Williams explained. From being put out on the street, to sleeping on family members couches and working several jobs at a time he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to receive scholarship funding and many other forms of support from York Tech.

On graduation day, Williams could say with pride that he was the first in his family to go to college. Aware of the challenges that face young African American males of this generation, Williams reminded the crowd that “I beat the odds.”

According to Williams, it was the people at York Tech that really made a lasting impression on him and encouraged him to do his best.