January 28, 2010
For Immediate Release

RCCC Sets Record
for Spring Semester Enrollment

                SALISBURY, N.C. — Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has more spring semester students than ever before - almost 7,000.

                 RCCC's overall enrollment for the 2010 spring semester stands at 6,977, an increase of 16.1 percent over spring 2009, and 18.2 percent over the 2008 spring semester.

                 Approximately 2,874 students at RCCC are taking a full-time course load this spring. That compares to 2,359 in spring 2009, an increase of 21.8 percent.

                 RCCC attributes its continued enrollment surge to the scores of unemployed individuals in both counties who are coming to the college for training in a new career field and increased numbers of traditional age students who are starting their college studies at RCCC.

                 Though it's currently at a record level, RCCC's spring enrollment could increase slightly as students start "JobsNOW" certificate programs, which begin in February and March. JobsNOW is a statewide community college initiative to train workers quickly to re-enter the job market in fields that are in demand locally and across the state. The programs require only six months or less to complete.

                 In addition to receiving the training needed to start a new career, those completing a JobsNOW program will receive Career Readiness Certification (CRC). The CRC is a national program that helps job applicants show proof of their basic skills to employers. The certificate is a portable credential, allowing job searchers to use it anywhere in the United States to demonstrate their competence in key foundational skills.

                 RCCC has received $350,000 in federal stimulus money to develop JobsNOW training programs and pay instructors to teach the courses. Normal North Carolina community college tuition rates apply. However, some JobsNOW education and training funds are available for unemployed persons through local Workforce Development Boards.

                 RCCC's spring semester JobsNOW certificate programs include:

• Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration - classes begin in March;
• Welding Technology - classes begin in March; and
• Wiring and National Electric Code (NEC) - classes begin in February.

                All persons who want to enroll in a JobsNOW program at RCCC must attend a JobsNOW workshop, conducted free-of-charge by the college's R3 Center. The center is offering multiple workshops in Cabarrus and Rowan counties.

                 For more information about RCCC's JobsNOW programs and to register for a JobsNOW workshop, call the R3 Center at 704-216-7201. The R3 Center is located in Kannapolis. See also information on the RCCC website at www.rowancabarrus.edu/jobsNOW/.

                Opening its doors in 1963, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) is one of 58 colleges in the state-supported North Carolina Community College System. RCCC is a comprehensive, community-focused institution of higher learning, serving the residents of Rowan and Cabarrus counties at multiple campus locations and through on-line programs.

                 RCCC offers fully-accredited associate degree programs in more than 40 areas of study, including arts and sciences, business, information technology, health and public services, engineering technologies, and biotechnology. RCCC also offers accredited diploma and certificate programs focused on career training, continuing education and basic skills education. RCCC provides a strong foundation and transferable credits for students advancing to four-year colleges and universities and helps adults get the additional training they need to start or change careers.

                 RCCC provides more than 2,000 course offerings, serving a yearly overall enrollment of more than 20,000 students. In addition, RCCC provides the education and job-training programs needed to meet many of the workforce demands of the North Carolina Research Campus being developed in Kannapolis. For complete details, see the RCCC website at www.rowancabarrus.edu.