PIERRE, S.D. (AP) _ South Dakota's four post-secondary technical institutes have a record combined enrollment of nearly 6,000 students.
    The enrollment at Mitchell Technical Institute, Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls, Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown and Western Dakota Technical Institute in Rapid City totals 5,951 this fall.
    That's more than 900 students higher than last fall.
    Deb Shephard, president of Lake Area Technical Institute, credits the increase to additions and expansions in programs vital to the state's future, such as energy technology.
    Mark Wilson, director of curriculum, career and technical education for the state Department of Education, gave the enrollment report to the state Board of Education Wednesday in Rapid City.

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