With the local unemployment rate topping 11 percent last month, people of all ages are turning to community colleges to earn a degree or new trade to compete for the best available jobs.

“It’s hard to get a job without a degree, and even if you get a job you don’t get paid as much as you would if you had a degree,” said student Heather Robb, 23.

While the economy plummets, most people feel frustrated about cutting their finances. This means less cash for weekend excursions, shoe shopping and even your daily Starbucks run. The lack of money is affecting every aspect of our lives, especially students. Returning to school without a job or income is a harsh burden for anyone.

Books, notebooks, pens, paper, parking permits, enrollment fees and the cost of transportation all add up quickly.

After Robb’s hours at the Child Development Center were cut, she decided to return to college only to realize that she could barely afford the bill.

“Not only are the classes overcrowded, but also books are insanely expensive even more so than before,” she said.

“You aren’t even allowed a grace period to pay your enrollment fees anymore, you have to have the money to pay right away.”

As the district struggles to reduce a $9 million shortfall, student enrollment at De Anza has gone up 10 percent this quarter.

With cramped and overcrowded classes students everywhere have to adjust to the negative effects of the recession.

Though juggling school finances is tough that isn’t stopping motivated students from pursuing their educational goals.

“I got tired of seeing my friends graduate before me,” said Robb.

And she’s not alone. More and more adults who never finished college in their younger years are returning to earn their degree and develop new skills to better their chances at snagging a job in the rocky job market.

“My mom went back to school at 47-years-old to start over and get a degree in interior design,” said student Dana Weinberger, 18.

“She is taking classes at West Valley and wants to get a better job,” she said.

Paul Gill came De Anza to refresh his math and science skills to get an edge up on his competitors in the shrinking job market.

“I think it’s a good time to come back to school,” he said.

“Especially with all the budget cuts in California. All people looking for jobs are now competing on a worldwide scale with the Internet. It’s not just local anymore. You need basic math and science skills or else you will get left behind.”