Spring 2025 Ushers in New Initiatives and Increased Enrollment at ECC

Edgecombe Community College has experienced increased enrollment for the Spring 2025 semester. The college has also introduced a new engineering program, provided additional funding for students under the Next NC Scholarship, and continues to focus on student engagement.

As of Feb. 5, 2025, curriculum enrollment increased 7.65 percent from the end of the spring 2024 term. The largest headcount gains from Spring 2024 to Spring 2025 include: 20.4 percent in Associate in Arts; 55.4 percent in Associate in Science; 50 percent in Welding Technology for high school students; and 25.8 percent in Early Childhood Education, Birth-K Licensure. ECC has also experienced a 41 percent increase in the number of dual enrolled students, or high school students who are taking college courses. In the Public Safety Division, EMS programs have experienced a 21 percent increase in enrollment, with fire programs increased nearly 75 percent.

Enrollment has more than doubled in Automotive Systems Technology, and ECC has seen an increase in special credit students for spring. Special credit students take courses at ECC but are not working to earn a degree, diploma or certificate from the college.

ECC is also excited about the ability to award additional funding to students under the Next NC Scholarship. In Fall 2024, 669 students were eligible for a total of $152,094 in funds awarded. This Spring, roughly 657 students are eligible for assistance, with an anticipated disbursement of $155,879.

The Next NC Scholarship began in the 2024-2025 academic year and combines the federal Pell Grant with the state-funded financial aid program to form a scholarship award that is easier to understand and makes education more affordable for most North Carolinians. Students enrolled at a North Carolina Community College with an Adjusted Gross Income of $80,000 or less and a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $7,500 or less are eligible to receive at least $3,000. The SAI is an eligibility index number that determines how much federal aid a student will receive.

Starting this Spring, ECC also introduced Applied Engineering Technology to meet the growing demands in our region. Applied Engineering Technology has been defined as a course of study that allows students to solve technical issues in industry by using basic engineering principles and technical skills. This program is vital as ECC leads the efforts in preparing the workforce for Natron Energy, Inc.
ECC is also celebrating some gains outside of the classroom.

“The college continues to focus on meeting our students’ needs holistically. We are adding three new components to the areas of Student Engagement and Student Support Services with plans to launch our Student Life and Leadership Suite, Student Wellness Center and our eSports gaming program,” says Samanthia Phillips, vice president of Student Services for ECC. “These new resources for students on campus have been designed to support and engage students outside the classroom, which is key to retention and driving enrollment increases.”

That engagement will continue throughout the Spring semester as ECC President, Dr. Greg McLeod, will provide an educational and inviting experience for students through the ECC Educational Travel Series. A select group of students will take a field trip, hosted by McLeod, where they will travel to a select location every fall and spring. Most locations will be in North Carolina, but there are plans to occasionally travel outside of the state.

For more information about ECC, visit edgecombe.edu.