TEANECK, N.J. – Entrepreneur magazine’s annual “Franchise 500” issue recognizes Kumon, the world’s largest after-school math and reading program, as the leading tutoring franchise for the eighth consecutive year.

Corporate layoffs and consolidations combined with an unstable economy are driving professionals to pursue alternative career paths, according to Kumon franchising experts.

“Entrepreneurship is becoming a widespread option for many Americans,” said Deven Klein, vice president of franchising for Kumon, which also ranked No. 4 on Entrepreneur’s low-cost franchise list. “People who were simply thinking about starting a business now are taking serious steps to pursue their passion. The economic situation is giving them an extra push.”

Last year, Kumon signed 121 franchise agreements, which represents a 46 percent increase from 2007. Kumon projects 130 franchises for 2009. The company currently has 1,300 centers across the United States.

Kumon enrollment in the United States has increased from 114,666 in 2003 to more than 190,000 in 2008.