HIGHER EDUCATION: With 16 percent of its residents ages 15 to 24 the area has plenty of students. By JEFF HORSEMANThe Press-EnterpriseWith years of rapid growth and a market full of commute-weary students. Temecula is attracting a number of colleges and universities looking to branch out. In the past year four-year Cal State San Marcos and two-year Mt. San Jacinto College have opened satellite classrooms in the city. Concordia University and University of Redlands also have Temecula campuses. In addition. Orange County-based Chapman University is interested in the city. And National University recently opened a center geared toward online students. The influx of colleges delights city officials who saw plans for an education center on Diaz Road collapse last year after a private developer failed to meet a deadline to find financing."It's as important an economic development tool as you can have," said Assistant City Manager Aaron Adams. He noted that the Temecula/Murrieta area districts offer tens of thousands of potential college students. Before many of them had to drive half an hour or more to earn a degree."There's a certain number of people who want to receive an education but don't want to leave the city to do it," said Gary Brahm chancellor of Chapman University College which has campuses in Moreno Valley and Ontario. Temecula's population has almost doubled since 2000 with 16 percent of its residents in 2007 being 15 to 24 years old according to census figures. Laurie McLaughlin dean of instruction for off-site programs at Mt. San Jacinto said the college found it was losing students from the Temecula ZIP codes. A one-time tenant for the education center. Mt. San Jacinto opened its own Temecula complex in April with 240 students. This fall. 1,300 students are enrolled. McLaughlin said."We knew it would be a good decision," she said. "We have really seen the community show their interest in a big way."Students taking classes at the complex include Brandon Partridge of Temecula. The 23-year-old said that he was laid off from the entertainment industry and is taking classes in psychology and economics to have something to fall back on. Cal State San Marcos opened its off-site center this August in leased office space. The university's nursing program had a waiting list of 300 and City Council members Mike Naggar and Chuck Washington led efforts to set up a non-profit foundation to raise money for a permanent campus. Last fall. Concordia announced plans to offer four-year degree programs out of its existing Temecula campus. The private university also signed a 15-year lease to continue holding classes at its Temecula branch. Chapman offers some classes for teacher credentials in the Temecula area. The university is exploring other opportunities in Temecula. Brahm said."There's a lot that makes (Temecula) really an opportune location," he said. Last month. National University opened an online information center in Temecula. The center allows potential students to get an idea of the university's online course offerings."This is a way to get into Temecula and meet the needs of that community," said Mark Moses the university's associate vice president of regional operations for San Diego. About two-thirds of National's students take courses via the Internet. Moses said adding the university has no plans to open a Temecula campus. While more colleges are coming to town. Barbara Howard director of Concordia's Temecula center said she's not worried about the competition."I think it's awesome," she said."There (are) plenty of students for all of us."Reach Jeff Horseman at 951-375-3727 or jhorseman@PE com
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