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Enrollment jumps at Eastern Gateway
By Denise Dick
By DENISE DICK
youngstowN
Eastern Gateway Community College saw a 19 percent enrollment jump this summer compared with last and is on pace for another boost in number of students this fall.
The new enrollment record shows nearly 1,100 students are taking classes this summer with about half the students taking at least one online class, said Patty Sturch, dean of enrollment management.
The college saw significant increases in enrollment in its expanded service district of Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties. There was a 200 percent increase from 2009 to summer 2010. This summer, 274 students are enrolled, compared with 91 last summer. Additionally, 26 residents from the three counties are taking classes through Eastern Gateway’s partner, Lorain County Community College. The grand total is 300.
Enrollment of Jefferson County residents also increased this summer, Sturch said. “That enrollment climbed by 9 percent to 580 students.”
The students are taking a total of 6,698 credits at Eastern Gateway. “This represents a 26 percent increase compared to last year. In addition to our head-count growth, students are taking more classes,” Sturch said.
Ann Koon, EGCC’s director of public information, said final numbers for this fall aren’t available yet as students continue to enroll, but there is an increase.
“At this point, we’re ahead of the count from where we were a year ago,” she said.
Classes begin Aug. 23.
In Columbiana County, 81 students are enrolled so far for the fall, compared with 96 last year. In Mahoning, 85 students are enrolled, up from 44 students in fall 2009.
In Trumbull, the number has increased from 26 students last year to 36 so far this fall.
EGCC is offering additional programs this year as well.
Accounting and Access to Teacher Education are new at the Trumbull County Career and Technical Center.
At the Valley Center, housed at Forum Health Northside Medical Center, 500 Gypsy Lane, associate of arts and business management will be offered full time.
Koon said that means students who enroll in that program could take courses full time to secure a degree.
Criminal justice will be available full time at Columbiana Career and Technical Center.
Interactive and Internet digital media will be offered at Mahoning Career and Technical Center, and emergency medical services will be available at various sites.