Copyright© 2001 by School Services of California, Inc.

Volume 14                   For Publication Date: December 7, 2001             No. 25

By the Way . . .

Community College Enrollments Are Up. It doesn’t come as a surprise to the community college system that student enrollment is up significantly compared to this same time last year. During downturns in the economy it is not unusual to see a large number of students returning or enrolling for the first time in occupational programs or academic programs in general.

Nearly 100,000 more students are taking classes from the 108 colleges this fall compared to last year. Statewide enrollment is up 6.1%, bringing the total number of students to 1,683,933. According to the Chancellor’s Office this is the largest enrollment increase in the history of the system. However, the ability of the system to address these enrollment increases is jeopardized by the lack of sufficient growth funding. The system received 3.5% in growth funding for 2001-02 and is requesting an identical amount for 2002-03.