Northeastern Technical College is experiencing the largest enrollment since the institution was established as a college in 1974. More than 1200 students from Chesterfield, Marlboro and Dillon Counties started classes on Aug. 16 and additional student enrollment is possible through Sept. 22 when the Mini-mester begins.

“I’m extremely proud of our faculty and staff whose hard work and dedication has helped us to reach this milestone,” said Dr. Ron Bartley. “I’m also proud that the citizens of our service area are recognizing that we are an affordable, convenient option to pursue their pathway to a quality college education or career training.”

Student enrollment is 16 percent higher than the end of the 2009 fall semester and is nearly 8 percent higher than the previous record of 1114 set during the fall semester of 2004.

Bartley relates the record enrollment to a variety of factors including an increase in public awareness of successful partnerships the college has formed with local high schools, other community colleges, universities, industry leaders and economic development agencies in the region and state.

“Through these partnership we’ve been able to better leverage ourselves as a community resource to prepare the workforce of Chesterfield, Marlboro and Dillon counties through education and training,” he said. “I think citizens in these areas are starting to realize that Northeastern Technical College is a college where they can pursue a college education or new skills for a new career.”

He also points to the College’s successful efforts to expand dual enrollment opportunities for high school students and the number of online classes offered. Since 2008, the college has expanded from 2 to 45 online classes taught by NETC faculty and the number of Chesterfield, Marlboro and Dillon county high schools participating in the dual enrollment programs has grown to 11. The number of high school students enrolled at NETC has grown 84 percent since the fall semester of 2009.

The College’s increased enrollment comes at a time when funding received from each county and the state of South Carolina is decreasing. Since 2008, state allotments, which the College uses to fund staff and faculty salaries, has decreased more than 58 percent. Bartley explained that this has direct impact on the amount of space and number of sections offered to NETC students who value the convenience and flexibility of attending College close to home.

“With declining support from the State we will be challenged to staff the faculty we need to provide options in scheduling and academic programming,” he said.

For more information visit www.netc.edu or call 1-800-921-7399.