Accomack County, VA — Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC) will introduce an Associate of Science degree in Engineering starting in Fall 2026, supported by a $1.25 million gift from Jane Batten to establish the Batten Engineering Fund. ESCC has seen steady enrollment growth and partners closely with NASA Wallops, which employs many ESCC graduates. The new engineering degree will include general education and engineering courses, preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions and careers in aerospace and other engineering fields.
Research shows significant demand for engineers in the region, including a 33% increase in Civil Engineer job openings and a 19% rise for Aerospace Engineers between 2019 and 2025. The program is designed to meet these local workforce needs and create a highly skilled workforce. ESCC President Jim Shaeffer expressed gratitude to Jane Batten for her support, which helps position ESCC as a leader in engineering education on the Eastern Shore.
