Unemployment on the Rise, Unemployed workers Looking for a College Education and Heading Back to School

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 9-10% of the U.S. work force is currently unemployed. Those that are unemployed are finding it increasingly more difficult to find a job. Many jobs are now requiring some form of higher education. Those workers that do find jobs also discover that there are other candidates for the same position that are higher qualified than themselves.

Many unemployed workers are making the decision to go back to school and pursue at least a two-year degree. Some colleges, like Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, are offering assistance to residents that have been laid off since September 2008. They are offering the opportunity to obtain 12 college courses for free, that's four courses for free.

While it may not be a full college diploma just yet, the classes will give residents more experience that is required in today's work place. With President Obama's debut of the American Graduation Initiative more and more students are applying to community colleges.

Many community colleges and online colleges are announcing higher enrollment rates for the 2009-2010 school year as a result of the American Graduation Initiative. Some even have waiting lists because they currently cannot accommodate all of the students.

President Obama has also encouraged unemployed workers as well as single mothers to go back to school. He has stated that unemployed workers can receive special government assistance that will help with college expenses such as tuition and books. In addition to community college, trade and vocational schools are also encouraged and recommended.

With the American Graduation Initiative, President Obama is planning on raising the number of college graduates by 5 million, making the U.S. once again the leader in college degrees. He has asked every American to commit to at least one year or more of higher education.

Committed individuals may consider earning an education degree and becoming a teacher due to the current lack of education providers.

While many unemployed workers may not have the finances to go back to school there are plenty of programs out there to help the struggling worker.