A weak economy is apparently spurring a spike in enrollments among Maine's community colleges.

Statewide, campuses reported double-digit increases in their spring enrollments, with Kennebec Valley Community College leading the pack at a 38% increase and Northern Maine Community College bringing up the rear at 14%, reported the Bangor Daily News. The increased demand comes at a difficult time for the colleges, which have absorbed a 63% increase in enrollment since the transition from technical to community colleges in 2003 and have had to confront a $2.9 million curtailment in state funding for the fiscal year that ends in June. John Fitzsimmons, president of the community college system, said in a release that the colleges will do their best to meet the demand, but warns they do not have the resources to accommodate the surge.

"With unemployment predicted to reach nearly nine percent in Maine in 2010, getting people back to work has got to be a top priority for our state," said Fitzsimmons. "Maine people understand that and are turning to our colleges to gain the skills they need to find solid jobs and economic security."