AMERICUS — South Georgia Technical College has posted the largest enrollment ever recorded in the history of the college, announced SGTC President Sparky Reeves. Enrollment for Winter Quarter is up 24 percent from this time last year with 38,00 individual students attending South Georgia Technical College credit classes.

Winter quarter marked South Georgia Technical College’s 19th consecutive quarter of growth, which is the longest consistent record of growth in the Technical College System of Georgia.

“We have already enrolled more students in three quarters this year than we served in four quarters last year,” said Reeves, who added that the increase in enrollment is not only good for the college, but also for the communities served by the college.

“We are pleased that individuals are recognizing the value of technical education and that they are choosing to enter or return to college to sharpen their educational skills during this time of economic uncertainty,” said Reeves. “A better educated workforce is an excellent incentive to help our area attract new business and industry as well as retain existing companies.”

South Georgia Technical College will serve (more than) 4,000 students in its credit programs during this fiscal year which is approximately five percent of the total population (one out of every 20 people) living in Sumter, Crisp, Schley, Macon, Marion, and Webster counties.

The college’s percentage of influence almost doubles when the individuals involved with the adult education and GED programs, continuing education and business and industry training courses, and community conferencing activities as well as the South Georgia Technical College Foundation and Jets Booster Club and athletic team supporters are added.

“Based on these figures, theoretically South Georgia Technical College has or will have an impact on every single person in our six county area at least once every ten or so years,” stated Reeves. “That is a tremendous responsibility and privilege and one that we take seriously. We are making a difference in people’s lives and in the life of our communities.”

In addition to the educational influence generated by its record enrollment, Reeves also pointed out the college is having a tremendous economic impact on the community through the influx of additional federal funds awarded to students in the form of PELL grants.

“The South Georgia Tech business office distributed $1.8 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 $7 million 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 South Georgia Tech 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 population.”

South Georgia Technical College is seeing growth across the board in almost all of its more than 90 degree, diploma, and short-term technical certificate of credit programs. For more information about South Georgia Technical College visit the Web site at www.southgatech.edu.

South Georgia Technical College is currently accepting applications for Spring Quarter. Classes will begin on April 6th and registration is planned for March 2.