Our College: Who We Are

John Tyler Community College was founded in October 1967 to serve the citizens of the cities of Petersburg, Colonial Heights, Hopewell and the counties of Amelia, Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Prince George, Surry, and Sussex. The College has provided high-quality, affordable higher education since that time.

For 40 years, the College has provided tens of thousands of area residents with the opportunity to pursue higher education. By providing education and retraining skills, John Tyler offers residents the opportunity to stay in the area while they pursue their education, update their skills and remain employed.

John Tyler is recognized as a leader in extended learning opportunities, customized training for workers in local businesses and industries, and providing the first two years of a baccalaureate education as well as associates degrees in certain fields. The College has continuously focused on quality education while making adjustments to meet the community’s needs.

Our Students: Who We Serve

Like most community colleges, John Tyler gives a diverse community of non-traditional students the chance to earn associate degrees and certificates that will help them find meaningful jobs. People who are high school dropouts, economically disadvantaged, older minorities or single parents may find it necessary or easier to enroll and succeed at John Tyler than at four-year institutions. Our primary goal, therefore, is to educate students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend college. Our student body is not traditional. Many students are returning to school after several years of absence, are likely to be first-generation students, and are in need of financial aid. In addition, our traditional age population of students is growing rapidly as the cost of higher education continues to rise.

Our Programs: What We Offer

John Tyler offers 38 different programs leading to an associate degree or certificate. In addition, 34 career studies certificates are available for students who are interested in short-term programs. The College’s programs include occupational/technical, college transfer, general education, developmental studies, community service and special training for business and industry.

Our Future and Our Mission: Where We Are Headed

The growth of the John Tyler population speaks for itself. From 1967 until the present, the College’s enrollment has grown significantly, and with the area population expanding at a phenomenal rate, the College will need to follow in step. In terms of the total number of people in its service region, the College is the third largest college in the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). To provide excellent educational opportunities to an area that covers 2,600 square miles is quite an undertaking. In terms of enrollment, the College is the sixth largest college in the VCCS.

The John Tyler Foundation Needs Your Help

John Tyler Community College has taken an aggressive posture through its mission as an educational deliverer and conduit. The College has listened intently to the stated and demonstrated needs of the regional decision-makers, as well as students and members of the business and industry community. From this, a vision for the future, which is both exciting and essential for our area, has emerged. The John Tyler Community College Foundation is working to make these ideas a reality.

The John Tyler Foundation is committed to acquiring funds to help provide scholarships for students, new equipment for instruction, and funding for faculty and staff development . In partnership with the community, the College sustains the effort toward an ever-improving quality of life for residents of the area.

For more information:
John Tyler Community College Foundation
foundation@jtcc.edu
804-594-1476