Paul D. Camp Community College saw an 81-percent increase in the number of students taking dual enrollment classes during the past year, officials said recently.

“There has been an increase in interest in the general education certificate, and career and technical education opportunities for students,” Dual Enrollment Coordinator Jeanette Pellegrin stated in a press release from the college.

The Dual Enrollment program provides the opportunity for high school students to earn college credits while working toward their high school diplomas. This includes completing a degree or certificate if they choose to go that route.

PDCCC has seen an increase in the number of dual enrollment graduates as well. The college graduated 41 dual enrollment students from four high schools, including Suffolk’s Lakeland High School, this spring, 13 compared to the 18 who graduated with a degree or certificate in 2015.

“Our partnerships with the high schools are growing, because we share the goal of education for skills relevant in today’s workforce,” said Dr. Tara Atkins-Brady, vice president for academic and student development.

This concept also aligns with Virginia’s Community Colleges’ goal of “Complete 2021,” a strategic plan that aims to triple credentials awarded annually by 2021. One area of focus in this initiative is preparing graduates for employability in the regional workforce.

The following Lakeland students were among the dual enrollment students who graduated from PDCCC with a degree or certificate this spring:

Bryan Austin Branch – General Education Certificate

Emily Foster – General Educaiton Certificate

Cierra Tyrae Gilmore – AA&S Degree in General Studies and General Education Certificate

Maya Lavallais – AA&S Degree in General Studies and General Education Certificate

Paula Kristal Steward – AA&S Degree in General Studies and General Education Certificate