SCC enrollment surges as more students pursue workforce credentials and degrees

Southeastern Community College opened the academic year with significant enrollment growth across its curriculum, Career and College Promise program and workforce training programs, a trend college leaders say reflects stronger community partnerships, student-focused support and growing demand for workforce credentials. 

Curriculum enrollment reached 1,589 students this fall, an 8.5% increase from the previous year. Career and College Promise enrollment climbed 10% to 607 students, while curriculum full-time equivalent enrollment increased 7% to 596.6. The college also reported a 34% increase in continuing education enrollment and a 61% increase in continuing education FTE. 

For Dr. Brandon Jenkins, executive vice president and chief academic officer, the numbers represent far more than enrollment gains. 

“First and foremost, it means that SCC is reaching more students and having a significant impact on our community,” Jenkins said. “An increased enrollment means that more students are working towards their educational and career goals.” 

Jenkins said growth benefits both students and local employers by expanding the workforce pipeline throughout Columbus County and the surrounding region. 

“For our business and industry partners, it means that more students are working toward credentials and skills that directly impact the county and regional workforce,” Jenkins said. “Long term, it means that more Columbus County residents have a workforce credential, certificate, diploma or degree that lead to sustainable wages that can support families.” 

According to Jenkins, the increase stems from several factors, including strengthened relationships with public high school partners, improved communication with the community and efforts to provide students with more flexible scheduling options. 

“I think it is a little bit of all of it,” Jenkins said. “We have worked hard this past year to better support our public-school partners and to communicate better with our community, especially the families of high school students.” 

Jenkins also credited SCC employees for the college’s continued growth. 

“Most importantly, we have great people that work at SCC and are really focused on doing the little things well,” he said. 

SCC President Dr. Chris English echoed that sentiment, pointing to the work faculty and staff do to help students succeed after they enroll. 

“The enrollment increase is due to the great work of our faculty and staff,” English said. “They’re in tune with the needs of the student, making sure they have the right advising and making sure they’re moving through to get those workforce credentials and degrees they need to get the jobs they want.” 

English praised the college’s outreach efforts through social media, stronger partnerships with local high schools and positive word-of-mouth throughout the community. 

“Those efforts are paying dividends,” English said. 

He also noted that SCC’s program offerings continue to align with employer needs, particularly in technical trades and healthcare fields. What excites English most about enrollment growth is the potential for increased program completion and workforce participation. 

“Completion leads to more jobs being filled,” English said. “We want to continue creating workforce pipelines that fill the gaps in employer needs.” 

English said SCC remains focused on preparing students for emerging industries and technologies. 

“We know there will be new jobs coming on, especially as AI comes into all areas of the world of work,” English said. “And so, we lean into that new programming that allows us to teach to the latest technology and latest standards.” 

Looking ahead, English said SCC’s new 22,000-square-foot Transportation/STEM Facility, known as the Black’s Tire Advanced Transportation Technology Center, will help accommodate growing demand in automotive systems technology, diesel and truck driver training programs. 

The facility will allow SCC to serve additional students, including both high school participants and adult learners, while creating opportunities for future program growth. 

As enrollment continues to increase, English expects the college to expand access through additional course offerings, including more evening classes designed for working adults and students with family responsibilities. 

Jenkins said the college views sustained enrollment growth as a sign that community members see value in the educational opportunities available at SCC. 

“Enrollment growth like this means that we are offering educational opportunities that our community sees value in,” Jenkins said. “We are proud of our students and the work they are putting in to improve their lives and the lives of their families.” 

Ready to join the SCC Rams and start doing work that matters? To get started, contact a Student Advisor in A-Building on campus by calling 910-788-6247 or visiting this website.