Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon’s largest institution of higher learning is getting even bigger.

According to enrollment figures released Friday, Portland Community College has grown 14 percent in the last year.

Spokesman Dana Haynes attributes the growth to the down economy and interest in PCC’s career-related programs.

Dana Haynes: “What we’ve always known, is that in tough times, people turn to community colleges, that we are a workforce engine for the region, and people are looking to get new skills, or bone up on their old skills, to get re-certified, in order to keep a job, or get a better job.”

Haynes says the growth also has the Oregon legislature to thank. He says the increased investment in community colleges has made it easier to absorb the increased demand.

However, PCC officials say people are still on waiting lists. PCC is hoping Portland voters approve a construction bond measure this fall, to help expand facilities to fit more students.