GREENFIELD – After more than a decade of declining enrollment, Greenfield Community College saw its largest percentage increase this fall since 2010, according to school officials.

This semester also marked the highest number of applications received since 2018.

“I think it means that we need to continue to take very seriously our role in the community,” said Interim Dean for Enrollment Management Patrick Tanner. “One of the most amazing things about community colleges is their relationship with the community—not that four-year institutions aren’t involved in their community; they are, but I really, really value the [philosophy] … that GCC has the potential to change family trees. We don’t take that lightly. We never have taken that lightly.”

According to GCC enrollment trends, the fall headcount has declined since 2010, when there were 2,583 students. In fall 2022, there were 1,413 students enrolled.

As of Tuesday, 1,554 students were enrolled for the current semester, according to Tanner.

“We’re seeing students from all different backgrounds being excited to earn a GCC education, from dual-enrollment students to MassReconnect students,” he said. “We’ve got recent high school grads and mid-career professionals.”

All 15 of the state’s community colleges were awarded $100,000 to implement MassReconnect – a program initiated by Gov. Maura Healey in her budget to establish free community college for adults 25 years old or older – this fall. To qualify for MassReconnect, students must be 25 or older on the first day of their classes and be a permanent Massachusetts resident for at least one year at the start of the enrolled term. The program is limited to residents who have not previously earned a college degree (associate’s or bachelor’s) and who enroll in at least six credits per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate’s degree or certificate at a community college.

As of Friday, 120 students have benefited from MassReconnect at GCC, with 20 percent being new to the college, according to a statement from the college. To honor the MassReconnect students, GCC President Michelle Schutt will hold a celebration for them at GCC next week.

“I think one of the most amazing benefits is going to be in retention,” Tanner said of MassReconnect. “When life happens, especially to community college students, college can be the first thing on the chopping block. When the funding is there to be able to go, you can manage the rest of your life a whole lot easier. The things that might prevent somebody from continuing now are not the things preventing them from continuing. It’s a tremendous investment by the governor and the legislator.”

In addition to MassReconnect, the college attributes the enrollment increase to the implementation of a new course schedule designed for hybrid learning, increased workforce development programs, the expansion of its case management advising model, and the implementation of technology solutions to promote retention through transparency of student data. The application process has also “made it easier and faster” to apply for GCC.

“There is no singular solution to reverse a sustained enrollment decline,” said Provost Chet Jordan. “Under President Schutt’s leadership, the college took bold action in a number of critical areas simultaneously, including launching a new schedule and guided pathways.”

Through GCC’s improved class scheduling, students are able to pursue more college credits in a timely manner, which has resulted in an increase in courses taken by students this semester. This trend is expected to continue at GCC in the coming semesters as well, as the college continues to implement Guided Pathways, a program that improves student schedules and credit efficiency, reducing time and costs for students.

“The growth GCC has experienced this fall represents an incredible opportunity for the entire Pioneer Valley,” said Schutt. “Education changes family trees and educated citizens lead to economic growth for communities. An increase in local college enrollment represents immense potential for regional advancement.”

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.