Enrollment Jumps By Nearly 1,600 At Waukesha County Technical College

PEWAUKEE, WI — Waukesha County Technical College saw an over 11 percent increase in its enrollment for the fall 2023 semester, which officials attribute to expanded programming and new initiatives among other factors.

“We are really emerging as a comprehensive, regional college because we offer an unbelievable curricular array of programs,” said WCTC President Richard Barnhouse in a news release. “We’re growing at a rate that is allowing us to pull ahead; and with a growth mindset, commitment to campus culture and thriving academics, it can be felt throughout the entire region.”

The increase accounts for nearly 1,600 students and will translate to a direct benefit for local employers, according to WCTC Dean of Enrollment Services John McGreal.

“As an integral part of the community, WCTC helps ensure our industry partners have a diverse, educated and talented workforce,” McGreal said in a news release. “WCTC’s strong enrollment this year means we are connecting with more students and their stakeholders to help them go beyond the classroom to fulfill their career and educational goals.”

Officials said dual credit initiatives, which allow high school students to earn credit in their primary classes alongside college, are on the rise. The 2023-2024 year features 10 academies including firefighter/EMT, welding, construction trades and pre-nursing. This year marks the second full academic year of the WCTC Excelerate initiative, a program "designed for qualified high school juniors and seniors ages 16 and older and welcomes them to apply to a full College program, just like any other student. This also enables them to earn an associate degree, technical diploma or certificate — even before they graduate from high school," the news release said.

New programs offered at WCTC are also helping to drive enrollment, the college said. In January, students were welcomed into two new liberal arts transfer degree programs, and in August, new programs were added for mechanical systems technology, substance use disorder counseling, data analytics, foundations of AI and more, WCTC said.

“We are very excited about the three new IT certificate programs,” said Alli Jerger, WCTC associate dean of Information Technology, in a news release. “Foundations of Data Analytics is a stepping stone for those who want to dip their toe into this exciting field. Foundations of AI and AI Technician are some of the first certificates being offered in the field of AI at a certificate level in Wisconsin.”

More information about WCTC and its programs is available at www.wctc.edu.