SCCCD administrators plan to expand summer school classes

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Most college students are about halfway through the spring semester and some are already looking towards summer.

Fresno City College's campus is bustling with students every weekday. This summer, the school will also be full of students as administrators plan to expand summer school. "We had tremendous growth. Two years ago we had a growth of 73-percent of summer school enrollment. Last year we grew by 13-percent and this year we're planning on 11-percent growth," said Pedro Avila, State Center Community College District.

Some college administrators contribute the growth to an improving economy and better budget outlook. Avila said enrollment is higher than it's ever been. "For the last two years we've grown our student population by 10,000 students. So we are now serving over 50,000 students across the Central Valley."

A majority of the classes that will be offered this summer will be general education, or those classes that tend to get filled up during the fall and spring semesters. They include English, math, science, communication, and political science classes at all of State Center of Community College District's campuses from Madera to Reedley. "I have noticed the increase in classes, and the different options of the different classes, and actually, more people coming to summer school," said Yolanda Perez, Fresno City College student.

Most students we talked to are excited about the growth, adding, summer school gives them a chance to get ahead in finishing their degree. It also can be easier to get a space in summer classes. Some students hope the district eventually expands to offer more arts and foreign language courses. "I think it's actually a better idea if they do more than just general ED," said Kayci Harris, Fresno City College student.

Other community colleges across the Central Valley are also expanding their summer programs, including College of the Sequoias in Visalia.

State Center of Community Colleges District said it is actually surpassing pre-recession enrollment numbers.