Northwestern Technical College has seen an unprecedented 29 percent increase in enrollment this semester among full-time students. And among students overall, the increase is 11 percent.

It’s a statewide trend. Technical colleges across Georgia are seeing an average 9.4 percent increase from a year ago.

The increase is being driven in part by the poor economy, officials believe.

Layoffs and job loss are prompting an influx of fulltime students, according to Mike Light, spokesman for the Technical College System of Georgia.

Walker County Messenger