About Three Rivers

About Three Rivers

On May 9, 1962, ground was broken for the construction of a local community college soon to be named the Norwich State Technical Institute. The first students began classes in September 1963. The name was changed in 1964 to Thames Valley State Technical College, and in 1970, Mohegan Community College was also formed in Norwich. 

In 1992, Thames Valley State Technical College and Mohegan Community College were combined to form Three Rivers Community College, a name that was chosen to reflect the geographical nature of the region. The first commencement as Three Rivers Community College was held in 1993. The two campuses were consolidated to the current location, and in the fall of 2009,  Three Rivers officially opened its doors to students with a new complex that featured state-of-the-art classrooms, and science and computer laboratories. In addition to the main campus in Norwich, there is also an instructional center located at the Naval Submarine Base in Groton. 

The student population consists of approximately 4,000 students enrolled in degree and certificate programs each semester, and 2,500 students in the Workforce and Community Education program each year. Through the integration of technical, career, and liberal arts programs within the College, Three Rivers students are able to move with greater ease from one program to another. 

What Makes Three Rivers Unique?
Three Rivers is an excellent choice for students pursuing studies beyond high school. The College offers 45 Associate Degree programs and 33 Certificate programs. Programs range from Manufacturing Technology, Exercise Science and Nursing to Early Childhood Education, Graphic Design and Business Administration. Students can also transfer credits earned at Three Rivers to state universities and private colleges in order to attain a Bachelor’s degree or higher in the field of their choice.

The Workforce and Community Education Department (WCE) offers non-credit on-campus classes as well as hundreds of online courses. Training and certification in various subjects, such as Allied Health, Medical Billing, and Security, help those who are looking to begin a new career, as well as those who want to learn more to advance in their current positions. 

WCE also partners with employers in promoting and implementing educational training programs. This includes developing courses for the Eastern Advanced Manu-facturing Alliance (EAMA), representing  over 50 manufacturers from eastern and southeastern Connecticut. Three Rivers is also a critical partner with the Eastern Workforce Investment Board (EWIB), developing the Eastern Connecticut Manufacturing Pipeline re-employment program which is funded by a $6 million US Department of Labor Workforce Innovation Grant, one of only six awarded in the country, and the only project focusing on manufacturing.

Three Rivers has a very active Student Programs department. There are many activities, events and over 30 clubs and organizations for students to participate in.
Many scholarship opportunities are available,  and students are encouraged to apply each semester. These scholarships provide financial support for our students beyond the traditional financial aid.

The College meets the diverse needs of the community by creating an environment that stimulates learning, while at the same time providing comprehensive, accessible, affordable and innovative educational opportunities.