Economy drives ATC student enrollment - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Economy drives ATC student enrollment

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By Karen Cohilas - bio | email

ALBANY, GA (WALB) – Albany Tech's President says a slumping economy has had a direct impact on enrollment at the school. Since 2008, enrollment has increased by more than two thousand students.

 

 

Dr. Anthony Parker says that's likely because many people have been laid off, or are finding that it is harder to find a job without expertise in a specific skill set.

 

He says the literacy rate in Southwest Georgia is generally lower than the national average and high school drop outs are also a problem.

That can lead to challenges, because he says all program areas require that students can read, write and do math in handle to handle the course work and later a successful job. 

"If our students and employers are going to compete with people in India and China and South Africa, they've got to have the skills that are going to make them proficient to make that job in Southwest Georgia, in Albany, so they're able to compete," said Albany Tech President Dr. Anthony Parker.

Dr. Parker says another challenge many students face is poverty. Three-quarters of students who attend Albany Tech are considered economically disadvantaged.

 

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