Summer enrollment at East Mississippi Community College is up by 33.5 percent -- an increase of more than a third over last summer. Final registration numbers show a total of 2,310 students enrolled in one of two summer sessions, May 27 to June 26, and July 7 to Aug. 6.

"We're happy to see so many students taking advantage of summer classes, whether they're getting a head start on the next academic year, or taking classes for their own personal enrichment," said EMCC President Dr. Rick Young.

"At EMCC, we're all about knocking down the barriers that stand between people and opportunity. Financial aid is always available -- and our district-wide tuition guarantee program begins in the fall.

"If students have scheduling barriers, counselors can work around their jobs and family responsibilities. And if the barriers are geographical, we try to offer classes in as many places in our six-county district as possible to cut down on the commute."

Of the 2,310 students registered for summer sessions, 1,557 chose classes at EMCC's Golden Triangle campus in Mayhew. At the Columbus Air Force Base branch, 272 students registered.

In the southern end of EMCC's district, 427 students enrolled at the Scooba campus, and 54 at the Naval Air Station Meridian branch.

"I feel this increase shows that students recognize the quality instruction at East Mississippi Community College," said Michael Black, EMCC recruiting coordinator.

"The flexibility of scheduling options and low cost make us a very appealing choice. And with the new tuition guarantee program, EMCC is poised to maintain its growth for many years to come. It's an exciting time to be an EMCC Lion."

The first day of fall classes is Aug. 17. For more information, call the Golden Triangle campus at (662) 243-1900, the CAFB branch at (662) 434-2660, the Scooba campus at (662) 476-5000, or the NAS Meridian branch at (601) 679-3570.