With the economy in decline and jobs becoming scarce, people are going back to school.

That spells great news for Sampson Community College, as enrollment numbers have soared for the fall semester and classes are bursting at the seams. According to Denise Rackley, SCC Registrar, 1,660 students are currently registered for classes, surpassing last fall's enrollment by 9 percent.

Along with this influx of students has also been an overwhelming load of financial aid applications. According to Judye Tart, director of financial aid, this shows that community colleges are the key to turning this economy around, adding “SCC is vital to this community and we're always willing to help these students grow and thrive so they can in turn transform the economic crisis.” Tart also adds that despite limited resources in the current state budget, the financial aid department uses every available resource to help every student in financial need.

The surge in students accounts for many students who are deciding to refine current job skills or gain additional schooling to become more marketable during the sour economy.

Dr. William Aiken, SCC president, says whatever the student's need, the faculty and staff are eager to help.

“Sampson Community College is pleased to have its largest enrollment ever,” he remarked. “While I am sure this is partly due to the economy, it is good to know that the college can help individuals obtain new skills. Several incentive programs have helped to make education a viable option for those who are unemployed. Working closely with other community agencies such as the Employment Security Commission, has helped people realize the importance of obtaining new job skills through programs offered by SCC."

Increased enrollment has also meant that SCC has gotten creative in scheduling classes to accommodate the students. According to Rackley, this has been a challenge but she maintains that the students’ needs are always top priority. “Despite limited seating and funding, we have made it our mission to afford every opportunity available to the increasing number of students and strived to secure their space in the classroom,” she said.

With the fall semester now under way, SCC is also set to celebrate its second annual convocation exercises to welcome new and returning students to campus. The ceremony will be held at 9 a.m., Friday, Aug. 28 on the lawn in front of the William C. Aiken Occupational Building. The public is invited to attend.