September 9, 2011 Kenneth Colangelo

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Tunxis Community College has been selected by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to offer a certificate in homeland security for its employees that can be applied toward an associate’s degree at Tunxis.

“We are pleased to partner with the Transportation Security Administration in offering this opportunity to Connecticut TSA employees, who are so vital in supporting security efforts statewide and nationally within our airports and transportation systems,” said Tunxis President Cathryn L. Addy, Ph.D.

Tunxis is the only college in Connecticut, and one of 50 community colleges from across the country participating in the training program, which encourages TSA employees to further their post-secondary education and attain credentials to advance in their careers.

The three-course certificate helps TSA employees fulfill their homeland security mission, and introduces concepts such as intelligence analysis, border security, and security management.

“This is a great program for security officers who want to advance their education and improve their career advancement opportunities while continuing to work for TSA,” said David Bassett, TSA federal security director at Bradley International Airport.  “Our people are our greatest asset and this program gives the workforce new skills and information that they can apply not only to their important work at TSA, but also to an associate’s degree if they so choose.”

Once employees finish the program, they receive a certificate from TSA and can apply their credits toward an associate degree in criminal justice or other programs at Tunxis. The College is developing a certificate in homeland security based on the curriculum, which Tunxis anticipates will be available to all students in the near future.

TSA employees are enrolled this fall in “Intro to Homeland Security,” taught by a 22-year veteran of law enforcement who is a sergeant with the local police, command sergeant major for the Army National Guard, and an assistant commander in the Hartford area SWAT team. “Intelligence Analysis & Security Management” and “Transportation and Border Security” are expected to be offered in spring and fall of 2012.

The three courses have been developed and funded by TSA and will be delivered at the Connecticut Fire Academy, about four miles from Bradley International Airport.

The TSA training program started in spring 2010 as a pilot for 11 airports and has since grown to all 50 states and over 75 airports within the United States. Over 3,500 TSA employees are expected to enroll nationally by this fall.

From business, health, and technology to liberal arts & sciences programs, Tunxis offers over 60 associate’s degrees and certificates, providing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that prepare students for transfer to bachelor’s degree programs and employment in areas with industry need. Tunxis is located at the junction of Routes 6 and 177 in Farmington. For more information on programs at Tunxis, call 860.773.1300, or visit tunxis.commnet.edu.