Trinidad State Junior College
Trinidad, Colorado

Trinidad State Junior College is the oldest state college in Colorado. Being the oldest school doesn't mean "not up-to-date." The College's curriculum is continually evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of students and community. For example, the College recently developed the "EPIC" (Energy Production and Industrial Construction) Program to meet the educational and employment needs of local natural gas operators and their sub-contractors. The program offers Certifications (9 month program) and Associate Degrees (2 year program) in Heavy Equipment Diesel Mechanics, Heavy Equipment Operating and Professional Welding. Successful completion of the program generally leads to immediate employment with excellent pay (good benefits, too) and great possibilities for the future.

Another very successful program at TSJC is the NRA-Gunsmithing School. This is one of the premier Gunsmithing schools in the world. TSJC also offers enrollment in the NRA Law Enforcement Instructor Development School.

While most students at the College will be in Liberal Arts and Science studies (TSJC has transfer agreements with Colorado's four-year colleges and universities: graduates with Associate of Arts or Associate of Science Degrees will be granted upper division status at receiving institutions), Trinidad State Junior College also offers many occupational training courses: Wholistic Health, Nursing, Esthetician, Automotive Mechanics, Occupational Safety, Audio & Video Production, Graphic Design (including Photography and Web Design), and Information Technology. As one instructor said to me, "Being oldest really means being first."