Baton Rouge Community College Sees Enrollment Growth
Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) continues to grow its role in higher education and workforce development across the Capital Region.
Dr. Willie Smith, BRCC chancellor, joined Haggai Davis and Trey Godfrey on Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss the college’s enrollment growth, career programs and expanding partnerships with local industries.
Smith said fall enrollment is trending upward, and students can still enroll in upcoming 12-week, eight-week and six-week sessions.
Dual Enrollment Creates New Opportunities
Smith highlighted BRCC’s dramatic growth in dual enrollment. When he arrived in 2019-20, the college served about 400 dual-enrollment students. That number has grown to nearly 3,000 students from more than a dozen secondary-school partners.
The program also produced a historic milestone this year. About 200 students earned both their high school diplomas and associate degrees, giving them an important head start on college and their careers.
High-Demand Programs Prepare Students for Work
Health care remains one of BRCC’s most popular areas, with nursing and allied health leading enrollment. The college also offers programs in construction management, process technology, information technology, cybersecurity and data analytics.
BRCC partners with IBM on cybersecurity and data analytics training. The college also operates the North Baton Rouge Industrial Training Initiative with ExxonMobil, preparing students for careers in electrical work, machinery, welding and millwright trades.
Smith said BRCC wants to expand paid apprenticeships and work-based learning so students can gain experience while meeting their financial needs.
Education at Any Age
Smith emphasized that BRCC welcomes students at every stage of life. The college’s average student age is 26, but recent graduates have included a 77-year-old culinary student and a mother and daughter who completed nursing together.
Smith’s message remains simple: students should not let age or uncertainty stop them from pursuing education, training or a new career.