The signs of spring are evident at all three Rogue Community College (RCC) campuses. According to President Randy Weber, like the warmer weather, students are returning and enrolling in courses and programs, netting a 13 percent increase over enrollment numbers at the same time last year.
“Our team has really worked hard to reach out and reengage our community,” said President Weber. “These enrollment numbers signal that students of all ages are reinvesting in their dreams for the future and are remembering how important education and skill training is for a successful career.”
True to RCC’s commitment to accessibility for all, RCC students come from a wide range of backgrounds and starting points. “Over 25% of our students are 35 years old, or older,” noted President Weber. “We also currently have 979 high school students taking classes through RCC.”
Working to engage students who may not think of college as an option, RCC has developed a strong outreach to veterans and others who are seeking career skills. “Last year we served 350 veterans on our campuses,” said President Weber, “and our Adult Basic Skills program is aiding 672 adult students who attend RCC to finish their GEDs, improve math and writing abilities, or learn English as a second language.”
With a laser focus on workforce development for Southern Oregon, RCC continues to see strong enrollment in short-term training programs and industry-specific certificates, offering over 80 certificate and degree programs that can be completed anywhere between five weeks and two years with a full-time course load.
Available RCC workforce programs align with all regional industry sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, early childhood education, technology, and healthcare. Courses are often linked directly to employers in the community who offer students time to practice skills on the job.
A sample of RCC short term programs include: CDL truck driving, emergency medical technician (EMT), welding, certified nursing assistant (CNA), and video production. RCC also offers certificates for manufacturing technology, community health workers, and phlebotomy. One-year programs include diesel technology, dental assisting, family support specialist, small business management, electronics, and medical assisting.
Students who are preparing to gain a four-year college degree also continue to choose RCC as a first-step toward that goal, completing pre-requisites at RCC while enjoying the wrap-around support services that new college students need when adjusting to college-level courses.
“Our employees are excited to see newly adopted strategies result in increased enrollments and, most importantly, to see students are re-focusing on how to gain skills, knowledge and greater career opportunities through RCC offerings,” said President Weber.
Source: RCC
