'Student expectations': Cape community college sees enrollment spike. What's behind it?

Cape Cod Community College will hold two free admissions information sessions for parents and high school students to help them navigate next steps when their academic year finishes up.

The sessions come as the community college is experiencing record highs in enrollment gains — up nearly 30% in the spring compared to last year, which follows a 14% jump in fall of 2023.

Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing Patrick Stone said the school has seen huge increases in first-time freshmen, transfer students, and students who were previously enrolled and left before coming back.

MassReconnect — a new state program that offers free community college to adults over 25 without a college degree — has driven some of the demand, he said. Another factor is more flexible offerings, such as online classes.

"A lot of little things play into the enrollment jump ... after COVID, colleges had to shift and evolve to meet new student expectations," said Stone. "We want to build as many options for students so they can have a schedule that they feel works around their lives."

The first event is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 21, and Thursday, Feb. 22, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the college's West Barnstable campus. The college's admissions team will host academic open houses for high school students and their families to learn about the college and some specific programs they can major in.

The school has over 80 degrees and certificates.

Wednesday's session covers criminal justice, English, performing and visual arts, psychology, and the college's honors program. Thursday will focus on aviation maintenance technology, business, engineering, environmental science, and information technology.

At both sessions, parents, guardians, students, and other guests can meet with faculty members from each department and ask questions. Pre-registration is required for either or both of these sessions and can be completed online at Cape Cod Community College's website.

Applications for the fall 2024 semester are now being accepted. Applying is free with assistance available from the college's admissions team. More information on how to apply, book campus tours, request information, and learn about specific programs and free college through MassReconnect can be found at capecod.edu/admissions.

Zane Razzaq writes about housing and real estate. Reach her at zrazzaq@capecodonline.com. Follow her on X @zanerazz.

Gain access to premium Cape Cod Times content by subscribing.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod Community College hosts two sessions for prospective students