BILLINGS - High school graduations are still a couple months away but the stress over the future is hitting many seniors with full force.

We begin a series, New Directions, exploring what comes with the different choices students make after the big day.

With the downturn of the economy, enrollment numbers for two-year colleges are on the upswing. But for some, the appeal is not only about lower tuition, but rather a non-traditional approach to education. Photography and art is something Joe Maxwell doesn't take for granted. After adding graphic arts classes to his school curriculum, the senior has gone from a nearly-failing to a better-than-average student.

"I never really found it important to learn a bunch of math and science but I think if you're going to go and learn something you should be interested in it," says Maxwell.

After graduation, Joe plans to leave the state, as well as family and friends, to pursue those dreams, and further develop his creative abilities. "I've lived here my whole life, and finally, it's like, hey! You get to go somewhere else."

School counselors say Joe's move out of state is like many others his age, but his path is a bit different. He plans to attend a two-year college, for a degree in Graphic Arts, allowing him a quicker road to his career and his passion. "I just want to get out of there and make art."

Although it's not the traditional route, counselors say vocational degrees are becoming increasingly popular. "The change in our culture in looking at vocational as an option, wasn't there 10 years ago. If a counselor would have said 'I think they should look into going in to a 2 year,' the parents would have said 'You're nuts,' they're going to a four-year school or nothing," says Steve Wilson, Counselor at the Billings Career Center. Wilson says when the economy is bad, interest in education goes up.

Nationwide, two-year colleges have seen the most significant increase in enrollment in 30 years. In Billings, The College of Technology reports it's highest numbers ever. Educators say the appeal goes beyond economics.

"Something that is changed the meaning of vocational. It once meant welding, construction, and it still does, but the difference now is the technical component," says Wilson.

Advances in technology mean changes in the type of jobs becoming available. Giving those with the right training and education the ability to meet a new job demand.

Wilson says many students, like Joe, don't fit the mold of what used to be the standard four year path of higher education. But, he says continuing education after high school is more important than ever. "We really don't have jobs for uneducated students anymore, they just aren't out there."

For Joe, going to college means more than finding a job. It also means he'll pursue his passion, hopefully opening doors to a brighter future. "I want to grow in it, and just be happy being who I am," says Maxwell.