Mountain Empire Community College

 
3441 Mountain Empire Road
Big Stone Gap, VA 24219

One of 23 colleges in the Virginia Community College System, Mountain Empire Community College is located smack in the middle of 95 acres of rolling hills in Big Gap, Virginia. Serving a student body of just over 4,200 students, Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) offers both liberal arts as well as technical education courses. Academic programs are broken down into five Associate of Arts and Sciences degree programs (approximately one out of every five students graduates with an A.A.S. degree); 18 Associate of Applied Sciences degree programs; and 50 different certificate programs. To supplement students' in-class education, MECC also offers community-based service learning activities to provide a real-world, hands-on education.

To make sure all students have the highest shot at success, Mountain Empire Community College offers on-campus free web-based math and English tutoring, mentoring, career and personal counseling, and academic skills development sessions. The on-campus TRIO program also offers specialized programs to first-generation college students, students from low-income households, and those with physical and/or learning disabilities.

On top of the school's academic offerings, students will also find an array of extra curricular activities. The school's 20+ student organizations range from a student government association to a sci-fi fan club to an MECC chapter of Americorps. Mountain Empire Community Colleg's Slemp Gallery also plays host to museum exhibits ranging from traditional visual arts to quilting. The school also sponsors both student-run and professional cultural events throughout the year. The 2007 line-up includes performances of Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House" and a performance of Paul Rudnick's play, "I Hate Hamlet."

Thanks to the Mountain Empire Community College AIMS Higher Scholarship, Virginia resident students who graduate from high schools in Lee, Scott, Wise, Dickenson Counties, or the City of Norton may be able to attend MECC for free. Students from any of the 17 qualifying high schools who maintain high grades, a 95 percent attendance rate, and complete at least 20 hours of community service may complete up to 72 hours of credit at MECC without paying a dime in tuition.

Quick Facts:

In 2007, Mountain Empire Community College added a Funeral Services program of study in conjunction with John Tyler Community College. MECC is now one of three colleges in the state to offer this program.

Over 80% of program enrolled students receive financial assistance

Forty-seven percent of all students are enrolled in one or more distance education class

Mountain Empire Community College gives out a financial to a higher percentage of its students than any other college in the Virginia Community College System.