A survey of commissioned by Gila Community College (GCC) and distributed throughout Gila County has been compiled.  The basis of the survey is to assess institutional effectiveness and community needs.  The parameters of the survey include a minimum sample size of 2% of the 51,663 citizens in Gila County, the actual sample size was 2.2% or 1,154 survey respondents.  The sample size is large enough to identify emerging trends and patterns relative to post-secondary education in Gila County.  

The largest response was generated by adult learners in the age group of 18 and under, with the second largest group being in the age group 19-21.  There were 417 respondents in the 18 and under group and 116 responding in the 19-21 category.  Females represent the largest group of respondents at 64.0% and 35.5% per male.  

The ethnicity responding to the survey were White 61.7%, Hispanic represent 18.3% and Native American at 15.2%.   African-American and Asian each represented 1%. 

Of the surveys returned, 47.9% have attended Gila Community College with 50.4% indicating they have never attended GCC.  Of those having attended Gila Community College, 29.8% indicate they enroll in class for self improvement or personal interest with 28.8% attending GCC in order to earn a degree.  The survey also indicates that students or perspective students (41.6% of the respondents) prefer evening and late evening classes.  Typically most of the classes at GCC are offered in the evening hours.

The survey indicates that 19.9% of the respondents can devote 12 of more hours to their post-secondary pursuits with 80.1% indicating they would devote fewer than 12 hours per week.  The Monday-Thursday that are most convenient days for the respondents to attend class.  Respondents indicated that they are attracted to GCC because of quality education, low tuition, convenient times & locations, and individual attention of staff and instructors.  

Most female respondents expressed interest in nursing (48.9%), art (43.2%), computers (42.9%), nutrition (37.1%), and Dance (35.1%). Most male respondents are interested in automotive (52.2%), small business (50.6%), welding (50.6%), building construction (48.4%), and heavy equipment operations (44.6%).

 Respondents expressed that they wish GCC would develop new classes in cosmetology, language, and photography. They also requested expansion of offerings in art, biology, math, music, and chemistry.

 Based upon the results produced by the survey, which reflect a particularly intensive effort to elicit comments from high school students, it appears that GCC is on track with its planning efforts to include more workforce development programs into its traditional university transfer programs.  In the past year GCC has implemented a Registered Nursing Program, Fire Science, Culinary Arts, Gaming Management, Heavy Equipment, Commercial Driver License Training, and HVAC-R Programs.

If you would like to make additional comments or recommendations about classes or programs, contact your campus at 928-425-8481 in Globe, 928-468-8039 in Payson, or 925-475-5981 in San Carlos.  Gila Community College appreciates the continued support of the residents of Gila County.  We remain steadfast in our commitment to creating futures by continuing to deliver high quality, cost-effective postsecondary educational opportunities to the residents of Gila County.