NJC working to keep up with changes in education

Sterling, Colo. -- The pandemic brought changes to society, including college enrollment.

Northeastern Junior College President Mike White spoke at the February 23 Business Roundtable: State of Our Community address.

White said junior colleges have seen a 25 percent loss in enrollment the last two years. Additionally, 17 percent of high school students have abandoned their plans for post-secondary education. He said the reasons for the decline of enrollment vary. Experts do agree the trend won't correct any time soon, White said.

He said NJC has declined from about 1,200 students to 940. He did say the number of students is up 14 percent. However, the number of classes taken is down. He said the trend is a reflection of the number of adult working students.

White said the college has drawn the attention of students from other countries; many were came to NJC for the athletic and two-year programs with plans to move up to a four-year college. 

He also explained a collaborative effort with Colorado State University, the "2 + 2," that allows a student to start at NJC and finish with a bachelor's degree; all without leaving the Sterling area.

In addition, the college is expanding its online programs.

He also announced NJC will be introducing "e-sports" soon. 

"We will start competition in the Fall," he said.

The college is also adding a trap shooting team, with the support of the Shooting Sports Complex in Sterling.