Several Itawamba Community College administrators, faculty and students will participate in a rally at the state Capitol, Tuesday.

During the rally, community college faculty will have the opportunity to talk to local legislators about the funding needs of the 15 community and junior colleges, particularly mid-level funding.

Participants from ICC include vice president of student services Mike Eaton of Fulton; faculty members Laura Pannell of New Albany, Jeff Bates of Dorsey, Edana Nail of Fulton, Jessi Stevenson and Janae Hagan of Saltillo; and students Larry Howell of Belmont, Gregory Windom of Tupelo, Jennifer Hurd of New Albany, Andrea Rodgers of Fulton and Chad McCoy of Houston.

“The students, faculty and staff would like to express our appreciation to our state legislators for the support that they have given to community colleges in the past,” said Nail, who is president of the Fulton campus Faculty Association. “At this time, when our national and Mississippi economies are facing major financial challenges, statewide community college enrollment is up. ICC is experiencing a 12.65 percent enrollment increase. To meet the vast needs of our rapidly growing student populations, we wholeheartedly ask our legislators to fulfill their commitment to achieve the three-year phase-in of mid-level funding. Increased funding will help us help Mississippians persevere during this tough economic period.”

With skyrocketing enrollments, declining state revenue and a tough budget picture overall, community college supporters want to remind legislators of the value the colleges are in keeping Mississippi’s economy strong.

“Mississippi community colleges’ enrollment continues to climb,” said Dr. Eric Clark, executive director of the state Board for Community and Junior Colleges. “New figures indicate a 10.7 percent increase in credit enrollment for spring 2009 compared to spring 2008. Mississippians continue to realize that our community colleges are a wonderful value that makes their lives better.”

The colleges are asking for $60.3 million for mid-level funding, $128 million for capital improvements and $14.8 million for dropout recovery.

Mid-level funding for community college students is midway between per-student funding for K-12 students and regional public university students.

“The Legislature and the governor recognize the value of community colleges and their role in preparing our state and its workers for higher wage, higher skill jobs,” Eaton said. “Our colleges want to avoid tuition increases and keep faculty to serve the growing student enrollments we are seeing statewide. Climbing enrollment at community college is evidence that families are looking for more affordable higher education options and that workers recognize the need to upgrade their skills and credentials as they compete for fewer jobs.”