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Northshore Technical Community College officials have announced a 30-percent growth in overall enrollment for the fall 2021 semester. This increase exceeds enrollment for the fall 2019 pre-pandemic enrollment overall.

New program offerings coupled with expanded on-line courses and in-person learning in technical programs continues to position NTCC to meet the community’s needs by offering a wide range of workforce training and transfer programs for students seeking a competitive edge in today’s global economy. New degree offerings include the Associate of Applied Sciences in Technical Studies and the Louisiana Transfer Degree. Dr. William Wainwright, NTCC chancellor, noted the growth in online enrollment is “a healthy trend regarding student enrollment as we continue to gain momentum in the fall semester and upcoming semesters,” and that the college must “continue to meet students where they are by sustaining new and dynamic learning environments for students beyond the pandemic and hurricane Ida.”

College enrollment also increased in technical and dual-enrollment programs. Citing the “Louisiana Board of Regents Dual Enrollment 2021 Annual Report,” NTCC is ranked first overall in the Louisiana Community & Technical College System with the highest dual enrollment among community and technical colleges. With 1,762 students currently enrolled in dual-enrollment programs across the five parishes of the greater Northshore region, robust partnerships with school systems and industry engagement is driving local and regional training and education opportunities for high school students leading to certifications in high demand programs of study. Dr. William Wainwright, NTCC Chancellor, noted the importance of relevance in program offerings leading to real world education, skills, and employment, “This record enrollment growth serves as a testament to the collective work of our college family in advancing opportunities and building futures for our graduates. As citizens enter new job markets, accelerate careers, and change industries, our mission has never been more important. NTCC has remained intentional with how we are actively seeking to recruit students.”

In addition to dual-enrollment growth, NTCC has continued to provide hands-on training in technical programs of study as well as all other program areas. The college offers several STEAM outreach programs, including seven St. Tammany Parish Campus visits to local schools, Hammond Northshore Regional Airshow, Livingston Campus Job Expo and the Banner Ford Annual Open Car Show as well as High School Takeover events in Bogalusa and Greensburg.

Wainwright pointed out that “community outreach has never been more important as we continue to navigate the pandemic. Hands on learning, STEM education, Mobile Labs, and Outdoor Classrooms are essential elements of student and graduate success. We are truly grateful to partners like Chevron and Weeks Marine, who have made transformational investments in expanding outreach efforts to meet the needs of all learners.”