LCCC reports headcount dip, cites grant lapse as factor in Salisbury Township dual‑enrollment decline

Sam DeFrank, representing Lehigh Carbon Community College, briefed the Salisbury Township School Board on Oct. 16 about enrollment trends and dual‑enrollment participation.

DeFrank said overall fall 2024 headcount at the college was down about 3% and credit hours were down about 6% compared with the prior year. He highlighted the college’s dual‑enrollment program numbers — 2,362 dual‑enrollment students enrolled in 270 courses in 2024 across the college’s offerings — and stressed that program access varies significantly by high school depending on course availability.

Focusing on Salisbury Township specifically, DeFrank reported a steep local decline in dual‑enrollment participation: "In 2023, we had 86 students in dual enrollment. Currently, we have 8," he told the board. He said part of the decline was tied to a $75,000 grant that supported dual‑enrollment opportunities in 2023–24 but was not awarded in 2024–25.

DeFrank described measures the college is pursuing to grow dual‑enrollment: expanding course offerings at partner high schools, improving early‑college program pathways and emphasizing partnerships that allow students to save on secondary‑education costs. He also noted that early‑college graduates (associate‑degree earners) from the program have matriculated to institutions including Drexel, Penn State, Lafayette and Bucknell.

Board members asked no substantive follow‑up questions during the report. The college representative said the institution is pursuing class offerings growth as the principal lever to increase dual‑enrollment participation.

What happens next: The college and district will continue coordination on course offerings and dual‑enrollment promotion to local students.