Enrollment at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College Surges
Bowling Green, KY – The Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKyCTC) has reported a significant increase in enrollment this year. The number of credential-seeking students has risen by nearly 12%, climbing to 3,282 students. This growth reflects a broader trend within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), of which SKyCTC is a part. The KCTCS is expecting to reach its highest enrollment numbers in a decade, with an overall growth projection of 8.4% to more than 85,000 students.
Interim President Brooke Justice expressed enthusiasm about this trend, stating, “We look forward to supporting the students in their pursuit of a more prosperous future.” The rise in enrollment at SKyCTC comes as the college sees increased interest in technical programs, particularly those related to health care, including nursing. Other areas of notable growth include advanced manufacturing and programs in business and information technology (IT).
Growing Trends in Specific Industries
According to KCTCS data, certain industries are seeing significant increases in enrollment. Health care fields have seen a remarkable 17% growth. Other sectors showing promising gains include:
- Construction: 10.6%
- Advanced Manufacturing: 8.7%
- Business and IT Services: 3.4%
- Transportation and Logistics: 2.8%
This trend in enrollment is closely tied to the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship, which provides tuition support for students enrolling in high-demand fields like health care, business, advanced manufacturing, construction, and transportation/logistics.
KCTCS President Ryan Quarles emphasized the importance of this enrollment surge, stating, “We’re excited to see more Kentuckians from all backgrounds choosing our colleges to invest in their futures, the future of their families, and ultimately in future generations of Kentucky’s workforce.”
Dual-Credit Program Expansion
In addition to traditional students, SKyCTC has reported an increase in those taking dual-credit courses designed for high school students who want to earn college credits before graduation. The number of dual-credit high school students pursuing credits at SKyCTC post-graduation has risen by more than one-third, going from 367 to 495.
This growth in dual-credit enrollment is attributed to the college’s affordability and financial support from scholarships such as the SKY Merit Scholarship and the Dual Credit To Finish scholarship, designed to help qualifying students financially.
Retention and Support Efforts
While the retention rate of students has remained relatively stable, it has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. KCTCS has implemented several programs to improve student support, which include:
- A redesigned student orientation process
- Mandatory advising each semester
- Assigning student ambassadors to assist new students
- Providing access to food pantries and emergency funds
These initiatives have played a key role in helping students thrive during their time at SKyCTC and across the state’s community colleges.
Conclusion
The positive trend in enrollments at SKyCTC and KCTCS is seen as an encouraging sign for the future. The college is pleased to support an increasing number of students as they embark on their educational journeys, readying themselves for a competitive workforce in Kentucky.
