As expected, a record number of students continue to turn to LSC-North Harris for its classes in more than 110 different academic and workforce programs. On the heels of a packed summer semester, 16,100 students enrolled in classes for the 2010 fall semester, a 20 percent increase compared to the previous fall and resulting in growth of more than 37 percent in the last two years.
The growth includes students taking classes at the college’s two full-service centers. Thanks, in part, to expanded options at the LSC-Greenspoint Center, located in Greenspoint, and LSC-Carver Center, in Acres Homes, those centers are growing at an even faster rate.
LSC-Greenspoint Center, which now offers a complete associate degree and two fields of study programs specifically designed to transfer to a bachelor’s program, has seen a 20 percent increase in students, and a 30 percent increase in the number of classes being taken.
LSC-Carver Center, which has also added a field of study program recently, has seen a 43 percent jump in students, and an incredible 72 percent rise in classes. Next year, the center will be replaced by the LSC-Victory Center, currently scheduled for completion in the fall of 2011. The new 85,000 square foot facility will allow for a further expansion of offerings for the Acres Homes and Inwood Forest neighborhoods.
“We’ve seen this trend for the past two years so, while it’s not a surprise, it is still extraordinary to see the numbers,” said Dr. Steve Head, LSC-North Harris president. “Right now, there is no reason to think it will change, so we will continue to do everything we can to accommodate as many students as possible.”
In addition to approximately 320,000 square feet of construction and renovations taking place at the college and its centers, weekend and evening class offerings have been increased and online and hybrid classes are available for students who need a more flexible class schedule. The college also offers SecondStart classes this fall, which begin as late as Oct. 25.
“Even with a limited amount of classroom space, we never want to turn students away. Whether they come to us with the goal of getting a degree or certificate, or to transfer to a university, we need to give them every opportunity to accomplish it,” said Dr. Head. “Doing so requires that we use the resources we have in the most efficient ways possible.”
He cited a number of factors that can be contributed to such rapid growth. Given the economy, a number of students are returning to school increase their competitiveness in the job market. LSC-North Harris also offers and affordable alternative to the rising tuition at four-year colleges and universities. The more flexible scheduling found at community college is also attractive to students trying to balance school with work and family responsibilities.
Other colleges in the Lone Star College System are experiencing a similar trend. As a whole, the system saw its student count grow 18 percent to now include almost 69,000 students. This growth includes students at all five colleges, their centers, as well as online students.
For information on SecondStart or other class options still available this fall, students should visit LoneStar.edu Registration and other student services are also available at the LSC-North Harris campus and centers.
Lone Star College-North Harris is located at 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, one-half mile south of FM 1960 East, between Aldine-Westfield and Hardy Roads. For more information about the college, call 281.618.5400 or visit LoneStar.edu/NorthHarris.
With more than 62,000 students in credit classes in spring 2010, and a total enrollment of nearly 85,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, and the second largest and the fastest-growing community college system in Texas. LSCS consists of five colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, and LSC-Tomball, six centers, LSC-University Park, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.
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