PRESQUE ISLE – In the past several months, Northern Maine Community College has undergone many changes.

The college has undertaken a major gifts campaign, launched its new wireless computer network, renovated its lobby, and outfitted its campus with a new gazebo. This year, a larger number of first-year students are on campus to take advantage of those changes.

According to college officials, first-year enrollment at NMCC is up 5.5 percent over last year. This year’s class includes 520 first-year students, up from last year’s total of 494.

The figures reveal that one out of every eight 2007 Aroostook County high school graduates is a member of this year’s class at NMCC, according to Jason Parent, the college’s director of development and college relations.

Classes at NMCC began Aug. 27.

Tim Crowley, NMCC’s president, said in a written statement earlier this week that the newest batch of students will be an asset to the area’s future work force.

“Many of the students attending our college from The County directly out of high school will be the future employees of companies throughout our area,” he said. “They will start and operate businesses of their own and become leaders in this community.”

While the number of first-year students is on the rise, NMCC officials expect the overall enrollment will decrease because of a dip in the number of second-year students.

Officials attributed the decline in part to an increase in existing demand for skilled workers in the region.

That demand has been relayed to college officials by its graduates. According to recent graduate surveys conducted by the college, an average of 65 percent of NMCC alumni find employment or continue their education in Aroostook County. Figures also show that 95 percent of NMCC graduates remain in the state after receiving their degrees.

Final fall enrollment figures for NMCC and the other campuses of the Maine Community College System will be tallied and released Oct. 15.