Palm Beach, FL – Student First, an AI-powered, cloud-native Student Information System (SIS) provider, announced that Porter and Chester Institute (PCI), a career training institution with seven campuses across Connecticut and Massachusetts, has selected Student First as its SIS partner as the school marks 80 years of preparing New England’s skilled workforce.
Founded in Hartford in 1946, PCI designs its programs around what area employers say they need. Instructors with real field experience teach in industry-modeled labs, so training mirrors the work graduates will do on the job. That approach has produced more than 27,000 graduates across 12 programs in automotive, computers, skilled trades, and healthcare, offered in blended, online, and on-campus formats.
After evaluating several SIS providers, PCI chose Student First for its modern architecture, ease of integration, multi-campus capability, and enterprise reporting. With one connected platform across all seven campuses, leadership gains a consistent, real-time view of enrollment, academic progress, and outcomes, while AI-driven compliance monitoring supports Title IV reporting. Native support for rolling starts and clock-hour programs keeps the platform aligned with how career education runs.
Integrations are central to the transition. Student First will connect directly with PCI’s Element451 CRM, learning management system, and payment processor, so each student’s record flows from first inquiry through enrollment, coursework, and payment. Through the Student Portal, students can check their progress, balances, financial aid, and next steps on their own schedule, whether they’re learning in a lab, online, or both.
“Student First is taking the time to listen to us as a customer without pressure. This is a breath of fresh air when others in the industry are looking to push cookie cutter solutions,” shared Brian Boyce, Chief Information Officer, Porter and Chester Institute.
“PCI designs every program around what area employers need, and that same practical focus guided their search for a new SIS. We’re honored to partner with PCI’s team as they carry that mission forward on a platform built around how career education works, from first inquiry to first day on the job,” said Bryan Carmichael, Vice President of Sales, Student First.
The two organizations have begun planning the implementation together.
About Porter and Chester Institute
Porter and Chester Institute (PCI) has been training New England’s workforce since 1946. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), PCI offers 12 career training programs in automotive, computers, skilled trades, and healthcare at campuses in Bridgeport, Hamden, New London, and Waterbury, Connecticut, and Brockton, Springfield, and Worcester, Massachusetts. More than 27,000 students have graduated from PCI. Learn more at www.porterchester.edu.
About Student First
Student First is an AI-powered, cloud-native Student Information System purpose-built for the full spectrum of higher education, from career colleges and community colleges to four-year institutions and online programs. Built for zero legacy constraints and zero downtime, Student First helps institutions move beyond legacy systems with a unified platform that simplifies operations, surfaces actionable insight, and supports student success. Learn more at www.studentfirst.com.
