FAIRFIELD -- Kennebec Valley Community College saw nearly a 40 percent increase in applicants for the spring term but like the rest of the community college system, KVCC will have to turn away some of those seeking to enroll.

System President John Fitzsimmons said the state's seven community colleges simply don't have adequate staff or facilities to meet the rising demand.

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