Swelled by unemployed workers seeking training for new jobs and more students staring their higher education at community colleges, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s fall semester enrollment has reached a record-high level, the college said in a press release.
Approximately 7,000 students currently are enrolled at RCCC, roughly 1,130 more than in fall 2008. That’s an increase of 19.3 percent. The number of students taking a full-time course load has increased almost 26 percent ó 2,895 now compared to 2,300 in fall 2008.
College officials say the record enrollment is no surprise.
“We expect some enrollment fluctuations over the next couple of weeks; however, we expect to hover around 7,000 fall semester students,” said Gaye McConnell, RCCC vice president for student services. “We have added class sections, and some of our classes are larger than usual, but the college has worked hard to accommodate as many students as possible.”
RCCC attributes its enrollment surge to the scores of unemployed individuals in Rowan and Cabarrus counties who are coming to the college for training in a new career field and increased numbers of traditional-age students who are choosing to start their college studies at RCCC.
The college anticipates another enrollment jump in the coming weeks. As many as 300 more students will start classes at RCCC in September and October, enrolling in the college’s JobsNOW certificate programs. JobsNOW is a statewide community college initiative to train workers quickly to re-enter the job market in fields that are in demand locally and across the state. The programs will take only six months or less to complete.
In addition to receiving the training needed to start a new career, those completing a JobsNOW program will receive Career Readiness Certification. The certificate is a national program that helps job applicants show proof of their basic skills to employers. The certificate is a portable credential, allowing job searchers to use it anywhere in the United States to demonstrate their competence in key foundational skills.
RCCC has received $350,000 in federal stimulus money to develop JobsNOW training programs and pay instructors to teach the courses.
Normal North Carolina community college tuition rates apply. However, some JobsNOW education and training funds are available for unemployed persons through local workforce development boards.
RCCC will offer 13 JobsNOW certificate programs. They are:
– Administrative professional;
– Air conditioning, heating and refrigeration;
– Basic supervision;
– Biotechnology;
– Brick masonry;
– Customer service;
– Electronics engineering;
– Light construction/carpentry;
– Nurse aide;
– Pharmacy technician;
– Small business office management;
– Welding technology; and
– Wiring and national electric code.
For more information about RCCC’s JobsNOW programs, call the R3 Center at 704-216-7201. The R3 Center is located at 164 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., in Kannapolis. Information is also available on the RCCC Web site at www.rowancabarrus.edu/jobsNOW/.