PORTER AND CHESTER INSTITUTE

Educational Philosophy

The philosophical basis of all Porter and Chester Institute activity is simply this: to educate and train our students to the level that will make them competent employees. In this way, every graduate will have the maximum possible chance for prompt employment, at an attractive compensation rate, in the kind of job for which he or she has been prepared.

Accordingly, the atmosphere of the Institute is like that of an employer's office or workshop. Students must be orderly, but at the same time they are relaxed, informal, and enjoy themselves. The same instruments, equipment, and reference materials you would find on an employer's premises will also be found at Porter and Chester Institute. In other words, it's more like working on the job than attending school.

History

The history of Porter and Chester Institute began in 1946 with the founding of the Porter School of Engineering Design in Hartford, Connecticut.

In 1973, the Porter School and the Chester Institute for Technical Education of Stratford, Connecticut, became one institution. Subsequently, the name Porter and Chester Institute was adopted, and the curricula contents and operational policies of the two institutions were standardized. At the same time, the Porter School, which was located in Rocky Hill Connecticut, became the Rocky Hill Campus of the Porter and Chester Institute.

In response to the increasing demand for Porter and Chester graduates, the Waterbury Campus was established in 1977. As the need continued to expand, in 1979, the Enfield Campus was added to serve central Connecticut, as well as southwestern Massachusetts.

In 1986 the Waterbury Campus was expanded and moved to Watertown, and in 1987 the Rocky Hill Branch was also moved to larger quarters in Wethersfield.

The Chicopee, Massachusetts, Campus was established in 1993. This campus was added to serve the central and northern sections of Massachusetts.

In August 1995, the stockholders of Porter and Chester Institute purchased the Connecticut School of Electronics (CSE). CSE was established in 1947 in New Haven, CT. In 1996, to accommodate its growing enrollment and expansion plans, CSE moved from New Haven to larger quarters in Branford, Connecticut and was renamed Porter and Chester Institute of Branford.

In 2003 the decision was made to begin expanding our Massachusetts presence into the eastern part of state. First we opened a branch in Westborough followed by Canton in 2009 and then our newest location in Woburn just opened in 2010.

As its history indicates, Porter and Chester is an experienced, competent provider of technical, business, and health related occupational preparation. Its history also reveals that the Institute is dedicated not only to its students but also to the community in general.

Graduate Testimonials

"Make today's efforts pay off tomorrow. That's what Porter and Chester did for me. They opened the door to a awesome career and a great future." - Tony G.

"Porter and Chester's Low Voltage / Electronic Technician program appealed to me because it offered such a wide range of career opportunities. Having the specific skills to install, troubleshoot, and service security, alarm, and low voltage systems puts me in demand in today's job market." - Chris R.

"Environmental engineering is a little known area of the CAD field, but a great area to earn a good living for those with the right skills. Porter and Chester Institute gave me all the basics I needed to get started in the field. The education I received in all the different disciplines of the Architectural and Civil CADD program enabled me to be truly successful in the environmental engineering CAD field." - Patricia H

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit the website at, Porter and Chester Institute