File photo
File photo
Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon is expecting a decrease in enrollment for summer classes.
Enrollment data projects a 24% decrease, according to SaukValley.com. This is 100 fewer students compared to last summer.
For the fall semester, the college has seen a 34.8% drop in enrollment from this point last year, according to the news agency. That would be 186 fewer students than the previous fall semester.
The community college said most students not enrolling are nontraditional/career technical students and those 25 or older.
"These are students who are more likely to be essential workers, currently out of work, or who may have children," the enrollment update from the college said. "COVID-19 has likely affected incomes of many potential students, current students, and families."
To help students with education-related expenses, including gas to travel to school, childcare while in class and other needs, the college has created the Chris Byar Student Emergency Fund.
Anyone can donate to the fund at the college's website.