The Republic
HEADLINE writers at The Republic and other newspapers in south central Indiana could work from a stock headline in reporting enrollment statistics at Ivy Tech Community College in Columbus.
"Ivy Tech enrollment increases ___ (fill in the blank).
The most recent headline that followed that pattern is somewhat different from its predecessors because of the sheer volume of the increase. Enrollment for the end of the 2008 fall semester on the main campus here and surrounding communities was a staggering 4,739.
That's compared to 2,813 at the same time last year, a phenomenal 68 percent growth within the space of a year.
The increase and the factors behind it are all encouraging developments for this portion of the state.
The school deserves recognition not only for the steps it has taken to encourage enrollment but the manner in which they have been promoted. By emphasizing the affordable $3,000 a year cost, the school has reached out to potential students who might have thought college out of their reach.
But it is really the changing face of higher learning and its institutions in Indiana that has altered the landscape.
Ivy Tech programs are available at dozens of locations around the state. Rare is the community in which it would be impossible to take Ivy Tech courses.
In this area there is the main campus at Columbus Municipal Airport and a satellite campus in Franklin. Courses can also be taken in Greensburg, Nashville, North Vernon and Seymour.
Today, it is possible for high school students to take college level courses through dual credit programs before getting their diploma. More Ivy Tech courses are being accepted for full credit at other colleges.
And the local campus and its affiliates have not been satisfied with maintaining the status quo. Programs have been doubled, and the campus has been able to attract specialists in a variety of areas for the faculty.
The upward trend promises to continue in the coming year, especially as the new Advanced Manufacturing Institute in Columbus nears reality.
Finally, the growth can be seen as evidence that the effort to encourage continuing education is bearing fruit, not just for high school graduates but for workers who need to improve their skills.
These are the workers of today and tomorrow, and their added skills are essential to local businesses and industries.
Having these kinds of skilled workers available and a pipeline for more to progress through make the area much more attractive to future developers.