Marion Technical College Reaches Record Enrollment

Marion- For eight straight semesters, Marion Technical College has seen enrollment growth, reaching 4,141 students this fall—the highest enrollment in the college’s 56-year history.

“Every one of those students has a different goal, but they’re all taking a step toward a better future,” said Amy Adams, executive vice president of Marion Tech. “Our job is to make that step as accessible, affordable and flexible as possible. Students find Marion Tech to be a smart choice.”

A total of 2,515 students are earning credit at no cost to them or their families through the College Credit Plus Program. The number of students in the college’s bachelor of science in nursing program also continues to grow.

New programs attracting students include certificates in artificial intelligence (AI), massage therapy, gerontology and problem gambling. The new Early Childhood Education associate’s degree offers a pathway to a career in education. The TEACH grant helps those currently working in day care receive scholarship funds to covers 90% of their tuition as well as funding for some books and fees.

“Our region needs skilled workers, and students are responding to that demand,” Adams said. “Marion Tech is connecting students with programs that lead to real careers while giving them an affordable path to get there. Eight straight semesters of growth demonstrate the impact that approach is having.”

Free Forge classes start Sept. 8 for entrepreneurs

Small business owners are invited to attend the Forge business classes sponsored by Alluvial Private Wealth. Any entrepreneur or small business owner with 50 or fewer employees can attend these weekly classes starting Sept. 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Top students can submit their business plans to compete in a live “Shark Tank”-style business class on Nov. 3. The public is invited to attend and cheer on these finalists. A panel of judges will award a $2,500 prize. Other students will also receive cash awards.

“When small businesses succeed, the entire community wins,” said Ryan McCall, president of Marion Tech. “A number of small local businesses have started or expanded, including Attaboys restaurant, the Explore-It-Torium Children’s Museum, Sights Unseen Travel Agency, Painless Fleet Maintenance and many more. We hope the Forge has played a small part in helping them succeed.”

Entrepreneurs can register for free at mtc.edu.

Free estate planning seminar on Sept. 22

The public is invited to a free estate planning seminar at the college on Sept. 22 at 5:30 p.m. Local attorney and retired president of the Marion Community Foundation Dean Jacob will provide practical information on wills, trusts, charitable giving, powers of attorney and living wills.

“We have a long history of partnering with the Marion Community Foundation,” said Mike Stuckey, director of the Marion Tech Foundation. “We had a packed session in the spring and want to offer it again. Most people do not have a will, and yet everyone should have a plan for what happens to their assets and wishes. We invite the public to join us.”

Interested attendees can sign up at https://visit.mtc.edu/event/mtc.events.1786979/register/DdwlLkme.