Similar to colleges nationwide, Porterville College (PC) has had to combat low enrollment since COVID-19. The college has implemented several outreach programs and has started networking locally.
PC’s new outreach programs put in place are aimed for middle and high school students in the area. According to Roger Perez, Director of Communications and Community Relations for PC, they have been having more one-on-one contact with high school students in order to help share the benefits of attending PC.
PC has also started the Gear Up program, with the goal of creating stronger connections with local middle school and high school students.
Outside of local students, Perez said they have started advertising to their local media via Spotify and other streaming services. Additionally, PC has held information events available to the public, so they can learn more about the college and what it is like to be a student there.
In order to support students so they can stay enrolled, Perez says PC helps their students through financial aid and various other programs.
“We offer help paying for classes through financial aid programs, help to pay for technology and other student needs through our access programs,” Perez said. “We even offer free 24/7 healthcare for enrolled students through PC Timely Care, a telehealth solution for both medical and mental health.”
Perez said over the last year since the pandemic has calmed and PC has implemented these changes, they have seen improvement.
“We are seeing an increase in numbers over Fall 2021 already, and we look forward to further improvement in our enrollment over the summer as we continue our outreach and marketing initiatives,” Perez stated.