Survey notes Sandpoint’s interest in college

SANDPOINT – Three Idaho colleges, recognizing a growing demand for higher education in the region, are considering offering more programs here.

“Sandpoint really is a college town looking for a college, and we’re looking to fill that,” said Larry Branen, associate vice president for the University of Idaho’s North Idaho programs.

Besides UI, North Idaho College and Lewis-Clark State College are also looking to offer more classes in the area.

About 800 people responded to a survey by UI asking if people thought more higher education opportunities were needed. The survey found a desire for bachelor’s degree programs in education, psychology, social sciences, fine arts, interdisciplinary sciences, environmental sciences, and health occupations such as nursing, pre-med and medical technology.

“I can tell you that was a very positive survey,” Branen said.

Area residents seem to back up the survey by signing up for classes that are offered. UI began offering a master’s degree in educational leadership last fall that drew 37 students. North Idaho College in five years has outgrown its Sandpoint classrooms, and Lewis-Clark State College wants to begin offering onsite degrees.

Cyndie Hammond, Coeur d’Alene director for Lewis-Clark State College, said the school is offering Internet courses to residents in Boundary and Bonner counties, and when that number reaches “critical mass” the school would like to expand with onsite courses in the area.

North Idaho College President Michael Burke said the community college supports the other two schools by offering access to higher education in an area where he said “going off to college is really not an option.”