For the second year in a row, student enrollment at Edgecombe Community College set a new record, said Mary Tom Bass, director of public information.

“A total of 3,644 students are attending the college this fall, an increase of 12 percent over last fall’s enrollment of 3,224 and an all-time high,” Bass said. “The weak economy and high unemployment continue to contribute to high enrollment as students fill classrooms for retraining and learning new job skills.”

College President Deborah Lamm said college officials were looking to see whether or not last year’s numbers would be maintained and were ecstatic to see the increase.

Lamm attributed the rise in enrollment to three factors. Given the state of the economy, people have been “retooling” and preparing themselves for a new career. Also, many people aren’t feeling secure in their employment and are being proactive and trying to acquire new skills. The college also offers unique programs, Lamm said.

She said the cybercrime class is the only program of its kind east of Greensboro, and the historic preservation classes are unique among North Carolina community colleges.

At Edgecombe Community College, creative scheduling and more class options also are enabling more students to attend classes.

“We are open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m., and we have classes meeting throughout the day and evening,” said Dr. Kristi Snuggs, vice president of instruction.