In the 10th day enrollment report released by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), Elgin Community College (ECC) had the highest headcount increase for community colleges in the state with 1,883 more students than at the same time last year. ECC reported a total of 11,704 students in its report to ICCB, the highest enrollment in the college’s 60-year history.
This week ECC’s Institutional Research department released midterm numbers which show enrollment continues to grow to a current number of 12,071. Why the continued increase at ECC? The current economic situation, loss of jobs and the affordability of community colleges are making institutions, such as ECC, attractive to individuals who are looking to obtain additional training or continue their education. Those aren’t the only reasons according to ECC President David Sam, PhD, JD.
“I believe our continued increase in enrollment numbers are due to the variety of programs we offer and the exceptional faculty and staff we have here at ECC,” says Sam. “In addition, the college has an outstanding board of trustees who provide strong leadership and direction for the college.”
ECC’s record-setting enrollment proves just how necessary the multiple facility improvement and expansion projects, scheduled to begin in the spring of 2010, as part of its master plan, are for the success of students—and the community.
“We are grateful to the community for supporting the referendum this past spring”, said Sam. “This has allowed us to provide additional resources and facilities in order to meet the long-term needs of the college and the community.”
The college will begin construction of a new library, Health Careers Center of Excellence, and a Regional Public Safety Training Facility in addition to the renovation and expansion of existing facilities as part of the $178 million bond referendum approved by District 509 voters in April 2009.