More students are taking classes this summer at Oxnard, Ventura and Moorpark colleges.

Officials point to three primary reasons for the enrollment bump: the community colleges have been reaching out to high school students, costs are down and adults are looking to improve their job skills.

"It never hurts to go back to school," said Alisa Moore, spokeswoman for Ventura College.

Oxnard College is seeing the biggest increase, with summer enrollment up 39 percent. At Ventura College, enrollment is up 12 percent and at Moorpark 3 percent.

While Oxnard's numbers are impressive 2,663 students as of early this week they come a year after summer enrollment dropped by 10 percent, spokeswoman Cathy Garnica said. And even with this year's boost, Oxnard still has not caught up with Moorpark or Ventura colleges in enrollment, Garnica said.

The school is trying several strategies to attract more students, including direct marketing and adding classes, she said.

Oxnard is sending e-mails to former and current students, letting them know about classes that might interest them and keeping them posted on financial aid, Garnica said.

Like the other two colleges, it's also reaching out to high school students.

"We're trying to hook them with more classes, to provide services they might not be aware of," she said. "We realize it's very competitive. We have to go out there and get students. That personal contact is very important."

Caroline Gonzalez, 41, learned through one of those outreach e-mails that she could register early for the fall session. Gonzalez, an accountant and mother of four, is taking English 101 this summer. She hopes eventually to transfer to a four-year school, where she can earn her bachelor's degree in accounting.

"I'm one of those types who realized later in life that education is important," said Gonzalez, who lives in Port Hueneme. "The competition is getting harder."

The colleges are offering two summer sessions this year. The first, which lasts four weeks, started this week. Today is the last day to register for that session.

The next session starts June 18. Those classes go for six, seven or eight weeks. The deadline to register is June 18.

Classes cost $20 per unit, down from $26 a unit last summer. Most classes are three to five units.

For information on the summer sessions, visit http://www.vcccd.net.