More people are interested in furthering their education during times of economic instability, as well as those encouraged by new programs.
(SALEM, Ore.) - Preliminary enrollment figures at Chemeketa Community College suggest enrollment for fall term will have grown by more than 20 percent when fall classes begin Monday, Sept. 29th.
Enrollment figures may move up or down after the first day of classes, final tallies will be available in late October.
The number of students registered for fall term surged upward by nearly 7,900 from the same figures last year. Enrollment in non-credit classes, often taken for personal enrichment, soared more than 23 percent. Online classroom enrollment is projected to grow about 16 percent over the same time last year.
Cheryl Roberts, Chemeketa president attributed the increases to recent student-focused Chemeketa efforts.
"Nearly 230 high-achieving students chose Chemeketa as a result of the Chemeketa Scholars program," she said. "I’m also proud to announce that more than 400 incoming students have signed up for our Creating College Success classes, a free class focused on bolstering study habits and self-confidence as they pursue new chapters in their lives."
Graduating high school students with a GPA of 3.5 or better can apply for the Chemeketa Scholars program, a full-tuition scholarship for two years.
While the college faculty, staff and administration is eager to greet the new wave of students, Roberts acknowledged that the increased enrollment is a sign of the times.
"Since the Great Depression, increases in community college enrollment have ebbed and flowed along with economic stability. Given the uncertainty of the nation’s economic situation, it’s not surprising to find our services being called upon more heavily than recent years," said Roberts.
Community colleges are traditionally the primary resource for job hunters seeking training or new skills in trades and industry, computer technology and business administration, among other programs.
Source: Chemeketa Community College (www.chemeketa.edu)
Oregon's Chemeketa Community College Sees 20% Increased EnrollmentSalem-News.com