FVCC fall semester begins Aug. 28

Flathead Valley Community College’s Fall semester officially kicks off Monday, Aug. 28 with opportunities for students of all ages.

New this fall, FVCC career and technical programs are expanding to include a new career credential opportunity for high school students: Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC) fundamentals.

A career credential consists of one class, or a small group of classes, recognized as an industry standard of training that can stack up toward future certificates and degrees. Students in the HVAC fundamentals program learn the skills and get the experience to move directly into the HVAC profession before graduating from high school or into FVCC’s two-year HVAC certificate of technical studies.

Due to funding from a Montana’s Future at Work grant, FVCC was able to expand its HVAC program offerings as well as provide state-of-the-art equipment to train students on campus.

“We are excited to be partnering with local schools and HVAC companies to advance the futures of our young adults while meeting long-standing community workforce needs,” said FVCC Executive Director of Workforce Development Lisa Blank.

Opportunities don’t stop there for students thinking about starting their college journey.

FVCC’s Running Start program offers eligible high school juniors and seniors the chance to get an affordable head start on their education by earning college credits while still in high school. The first six credits earned are tuition-free for Montana students, and subsequent courses are offered at half of in district tuition.

Transfer students can save thousands by earning core degree requirements at FVCC before transferring to the four-year institution of their choice. Dedicated advisors can help create a customized a transfer plan to fit students needs.

“If you’re considering college but don’t know where to start, we are here to help you with all the details like financial aid, application instructions, tutoring and more to get you where you want to go. And our support services go beyond educational — we’re here to support your health and well-being as college life is more than attending classes,” explains FVCC Dean of Students Kelly Murphy.

Thanks to a generous donation from Flathead Valley resident Lucy Smith, the Furlong Smith Fitness Center opened its doors this summer to support students’ well-being outside of the classroom.

The new fitness center is located in FVCC’s Wachholz College Center and is free for students enrolled in six or more credits. The space includes a fitness area with equipment and machines, a yoga and multipurpose classroom, as well as locker rooms and showers.

This upcoming semester marks the first fall semester of operation and provides a space for students to focus on their physical and mental health.

Registration is on now and classes begin Aug. 28. For more information, visit fvcc.edu or connect with an FVCC advisor directly at fvccadvisor@fvcc.edu.