AMERICUS — South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) reported a 25 percent increase in enrollment fall quarter 2009, over this time last year and posted its 18th consecutive quarter of growth, announced SGTC President Sparky Reeves.

“This is another new all-time high enrollment record and our eighteen consecutive quarters of growth is the longest consistent record of growth in the Technical College System of Georgia,” said Reeves. SGTC served 3,558 students in 2009, and now after only two quarters into the new fiscal year, the college is within 500 students of exceeding last year’s all-time high enrollment record.

SGTC’s enrollment was up 33 percent summer quarter and that combined with the 25 percent enrollment growth this fall puts the college on track to shatter the 10 percent growth recorded last year, which was a record setting year.

“Our increase in enrollment is exciting not only for the college, but also for the communities we serve,” explained Reeves. “Individuals are recognizing the value of education and as the economy has slowed down, many people have returned to college to improve their educational skills for their current jobs or for new careers.”

Reeves also revealed that not only will the local area be able to attract new business and industry with a more skilled workforce, but the funds that these students spend living and working in the local communities is an economic plus as well.

“The South Georgia Tech business office distributed $1.7 million in federal grant money to South Georgia Tech students this week. This is cash money that students will use to pay rent, utilities, purchase food and fuel, and spend in our communities,” said Reeves. “That amounts to over $6 million dollars of additional funds that South Georgia Tech students infuse to our local economy each year just from the Pell Grant funds.”

Reeves went on to point out that the success of SGTC, along with Georgia Southwestern State University, is crucial to this community and this part of the state.

“We need an educated, skilled workforce and there has never been a better time to pursue that additional training,” said Reeves. “South Georgia Technical College’s mission is to provide individuals with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen careers. Since many technical college graduates remain in the community where they enroll, this leads to a better educated workforce and a better overall educated populace.”

The record enrollment figures have resulted in waiting lists for students requesting on-campus housing at SGTC. The SGTC Foundation is currently helping the college renovate existing dorms to include private bathrooms. The renovation will create additional rooms, but the college has had to close wings during the renovation process and that has resulted in waiting lists.

“On-campus housing is crucial to our continued success,” said Reeves. “There is a definite need for on-campus housing and the increased enrollment numbers support our need to expand and improve our residence halls.”

SGTC is one of only two technical colleges in the state to offer on-campus housing. The renovated rooms include private bathroom facilities and provide students as well as business and industry partners with access to more modern and secure living accommodations.

The entire Technical College System of Georgia experienced a growth fall quarter and now has over 110,254 students filling its classrooms and labs on college campuses in Georgia.

SGTC is currently accepting applications for winter quarter. Classes will begin on Jan. 7 and registration is planned for Jan. 5 and 6.

SGTC offers over 90 degree, diploma and short-term technical training for area businesses and industries. For more information, www.southgatech.edu.