PORT ANGELES — Peninsula College has experienced a remarkable surge in enrollment throughout this academic year. According to President Suzy Ames, enrollment figures comparing this year with last year soared by 10.5% for the fall quarter. The winter quarter saw a 20% increase, while the current spring quarter is up by 30%.

“It has been the most inspiring and aspirational year I could have ever anticipated. Morale among employees is very high, and we are seeing more students than we have in a very long time,” Ames told Newsradio KONP.

Ames attributes the substantial jumps in enrollment to a focus on new programs. The college launched nine new programs this year.

“I think it’s just this increased buzz in the community, and people are looking to see what’s going on at PC. You know, we always compare ourselves to our peer colleges. The really good news for higher education in Washington is that all but one of the 34 community and technical colleges in the state are up,” said Ames.

Ames believes the rise is also evidence of a different direction students are taking, wanting more tangible outcomes with employment. That’s been beneficial for many of the programs at Peninsula that show a job will be available immediately or sometimes during a student’s coursework.