LBW Community College has the highest summer enrollment since 2011 with a 34 percent increase in the number of students enrolled and a 42 percent increase in the total credit hours taken as compared to the same time last year.

Summer semester enrollment is 1,102 compared to last year’s at 820, and credit hours total 9,197 compared to 6,459 last summer.

“This large jump is due to several important factors,” said LBWCC President Dr. Herb Riedel.

“The federal Pell Grant is now available year-round. On average, almost three-fourths of LBWCC’s student population qualifies for Pell Grant funds, so this is extremely important in allowing them to continue their studies in the summer term.”

In addition, an “Incentive Grant” was established by the LBWCC Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that supports LBWCC through scholarships and other programs.

“A set amount of funds was made available by the Foundation that essentially offered a ‘buy-one, get-one free’ incentive for students who graduated from high school this year, rising high school juniors and seniors, and transient students who attend another university and are home for the summer.”

Riedel also credits faculty and staff who successfully conveyed the importance of getting started or continuing college studies during the summer.

“All our faculty and staff have worked extremely hard in relaying the benefits of summer enrollment for students. It is also financially beneficial to those who are home for the summer from a four-year institution because it saves at least half the cost by taking a transferrable course at LBW.”

Although the full term and first mini-term are now underway for the summer, it’s not too late to pick up some classes by enrolling in the second mini-term, he added.

“The second mini-term is July 5 through August 9 and students can enroll now.”

For more information, visit www.lbwcc.edu.