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PRESS RELEASE

September 21, 2001

CONTACT: Lauren Cain
Director of Communications
850-201-7406

Community College Preliminary Enrollment Figures up 10% Overall

JACKSONVILLE — Florida's community college system preliminary numbers show a 10 percent overall increase in enrollment for summer and fall 2001 according to figures released today at the Florida Board of Education monthly meeting at Florida Community College at Jacksonville.

"These enrollment figures reinforce the important role our community colleges play in providing opportunities for students of all ages to pursue their educational goals," said Jim Horne, secretary of the Florida Board of Education.

"Florida's community colleges continue to serve their communities with access to workforce training and classes that link all levels of education," said J. David Armstrong, Jr., interim chancellor of the Division of Community Colleges.

The increase in enrollment may be attributed to new or expanded programs and courses systemwide. Most new programs are in allied health, technology and specialized certifications, and networking services and telecommunications engineering. Also, community colleges have a strong tradition of responding to local programs. Increased efforts in preparing high school students for enrollment in post-secondary education may also be contributing to the increase in enrollment.

South Florida, Seminole and Palm Beach Community Colleges show more than a 20 percent increase in enrollment. Two colleges, Chipola and North Florida, showed a decline in enrollment primarily due to changes in demand for local training.

The percentage of minority and women enrolled (First Time in College, FTIC) for summer and fall are very close to the same for both community colleges and the university system. Community colleges had an increase in Black and Hispanic enrollment and a slight decrease in Asian and American Indian. The state university system had an increase in Hispanic student enrollment and slight decreases in the other three.