CGPHE enrollment

On Aug. 23, the Cape Girardeau Partnership for Higher Education will begin offering community college-level classes. The partnership, involving Southeast Missouri State University and two community colleges (Three Rivers in Poplar Bluff and Mineral Area in Park Hills), is the result of a plan developed by local business and education leaders to gauge the interest in Cape Girardeau County, which is not part of any community college district.

According to its website (semo.edu/cgphe/) the Partership's service region includes the Advance, Cape Girardeau, Chaffee, Delta, Jackson, Leopold, Oak Ridge, Scott City, Scott County (Benton) and Woodland school districts.

Course work, offered by Southeast and Three Rivers, is applicable to an associate of arts degree offered by Three Rivers. Mineral Area provides the technical portion of all associate of applied science degree programs.

Community colleges in Missouri are experiencing sharp growth. Fall enrollment at Mineral Area is 800 students ahead of last year, and Three Rivers is up 400 students.

Students tend to be interested in community colleges because of cost, accessibility, open enrollment and A+ scholarships that can't be used at four-year institutions.

Prospective students may obtain further information by calling 573-332-0516 or visiting the Partnership's website.