LEWISTON, Idaho – Propelled, in part, by a significant increase in students enrolled in Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs, Lewis-Clark State College officials say early headcount reports are indicating a substantial increase in enrollment this fall.
According to unofficial 10th-day numbers, LCSC’s overall headcount is up 4.9 percent, from 3,273 students last year at this time to 3,435. The increase of 162 students, the largest jump since 2010, builds on last year’s trend when the school saw a slight increase despite sharp enrollment declines for many other colleges and universities. Official headcount numbers will be available on census day, Oct. 15.
Lewis-Clark State’s CTE totals show a 7.5 percent increase, up 32 students from last year. Technical & Industrial Division enrollment is up 17.3 percent with increases mainly in information technology an engineering technology. This news comes on the heels of an announcement last week that LCSC and the Lewiston School District are looking at possibilities to work even closer together in educating vocational students, perhaps establishing a joint facility to serve both high school and college students.
“Following up on the news about our collaboration with the Lewiston School District, it’s encouraging to see such an increase in our Career & Technical Education students,” LCSC President J. Anthony Fernandez said. “The word is getting out about LCSC and the excellent degrees we offer in both academic and technical programs.”
Overall, the 10th-day numbers show an incoming class of 845. The Humanities Division is up 14 percent, second only to the Technical & Industrial Division, with large gains in communication arts and English: secondary education. Nursing is up 4.6 percent.
LCSC’s need for an additional residence hall, something it plans to discuss at length with the Idaho State Board of Education this fall, is becoming increasingly apparent. The number of students living on campus increased by 5.8 percent this semester and administrators say there was a substantial waiting list throughout the summer.
Photo: A long line of students arrive on campus for fall 2016 New Student Orientation