IDAHO FALLS - After Eastern Idaho was hit by the economic downturn which led to layoffs, it appears many of those affected are hitting the books.

Eastern Idaho Technical College (EITC) reports an increase of 12.6 percent in their for-credit programs.

EITC said in the past when the economy is bad, their enrollment increases because most of the students are seeking a higher education and more training to enhance their job skills. In fact, many of their programs are at full capacity.

The total headcount for fall 2009 credit programs is 865. Last year, there were 768 students.

Last fiscal year, EITC enrolled more than 15,000 students in a combination of short-term training, adult basic education, and community education courses.

EITC is an open-door institution which means students are accepted into programs and enrolled on a first-applied, first-considered basis.