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Pocono News Section
Community College Enrollment Jumps
Community College Enrollment Jumps - Monday, August 24, 2009 at 2:36PM EST
Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Monday, Aug 24, 2009 @ 02:36pm EST
var images = new Array(); TANNERSVILLE, MONROE COUNTY - The economy is causing enrollment to surge at community colleges. For the first time ever, Northampton Community College has more full time than part time students. They include Leonard Herbster.
Leonard just started classes at the NCC Monroe Campus. He said, "It's time to evolve." Herbster is 58 years old. He described his first day of class in more than thirty years as, "nerve wracking."
Herbster spent decades as an electrician but was laid off a few months ago. So he decided to get a degree in Internet security. He laughed, "My daughter - she says she'll help me with my math classes."
Herbster won't pay for his classes. He's part of an NCC program that gives laid off workers a free semester of college. Students like Herbster are making Northampton busier than ever.
So are students like Jarvis Tyler. He said, "Without a college degree you won't be nothing in life." He's going to Northampton so he can save money and transfer to a four year school. He said, "I want to earn credits and it's a lot more cheaper."
College officials say they've seen a big increase in students from Monroe County this year - about 15-percent more than last year.
The report it's due, in part, to the economy. The school helps people prepared for new careers and costs less than many other institutions.
School officials say while they're happy to have increased enrollment, it's tough on the financial aid system. The economy took a bite out of school funding. | | |
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