AUGUSTA -- Applications are up 20 percent across the Maine Community College System for the spring semester that begins this month, system officials announced today.

Unfortunately, system officials said, they'll have to turn away some applicants because of recent budget cuts that followed several years of rapid enrollment growth.

Overall, nearly 600 additional people applied for the spring semester this year compared to last year, said system spokeswoman Helen Pelletier.

The largest increases are at Kennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield (up 38 percent) and Central Maine Community College in Auburn (up 25 percent).

Applications at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland are up 15 percent.

System officials attribute the increase to the weak economy and rising unemployment. During past economic downturns, the state's community colleges have experienced an increase in both applications and enrollment as individuals sought to upgrade their job skills or prepare for a new career.

The increased demand for community college offerings comes at a difficult time for the colleges, which are dealing with a $2.9 million cut in state funding for the fiscal year that ends in June.

In addition, the system has absorbed a 63 percent increase in enrollment since the transition from technical to community colleges in 2003.

"We are doing everything in our power to keep the doors open as wide as possible, but we are stretched thin and will not be able to serve all of these applicants," said John Fitzsimmons, system president.

"With unemployment predicted to reach nearly 9 percent in Maine in 2010, getting people back to work has got to be a top priority for our state," Fitzsimmons said. "Maine people understand that and are turning to our colleges to gain the skills they need to find solid jobs and economic security."

Elsewhere in the system, applications are up 21 percent at Eastern Maine Community College in Bangor, 19 percent at York County Community College in Wells and 14 percent at Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle.

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