LSCS Experiences Increased Enrollment Despite Tough Economic Conditions - Kingwood

LSCS kicked off the spring 2009 semester Jan. 12. Reports by the office of research and institutional effectiveness indicate a 4.9 percent increase in the total number of students enrolled system-wide. 

Lone Star College-Montgomery reported the highest increase in enrollment at 7.5 percent students served compared to the spring of 2008 followed by Lone Star College-CyFair at 4.8 percent.

“We reach and meet the needs of our community through both traditional and nontraditional recruitment techniques,” said Leslie LaPres, Lone Star College-North Harris director of recruitment and retention. 

“However, above all we use what I call ‘relationship based recruitment’. We see people and go to great lengths to make sure to meet people where they are in order to help them reach their educational goals,” she said.   

Not only did LSCS student enrollment grow, but the number of students applying for financial aid rose as well.

“Currently the number of students receiving federal and state financial aid for this past fall is up by 15 percent over the fall 2007,” said Jason Kot, LSCS director of student financial aid.

LSCS also offers Second Start classes with start dates beginning in Jan. through April. Students can register up to the first day of class and complete their course by May or earlier, depending on the course’s length and start date.    

A wide variety of Second Start classes are offered, including some distance learning formats, evening and weekend courses. A significant number of English and math courses are offered via the Second Star program. Just like the traditional 16-week courses, Second Start offerings are designed to fit a broad range of academic goals toward certificates, associate’s degrees or university transfer.

 “We listen to the needs of the community and create programs as well as support systems that will help student success once they enroll,” said LaPres.

Detailed enrollment reports for LSCS are available online at http://www.lonestar.edu/3583/.