Partnership with HPCHC, SCDC helps LCC provide ESL courses at no cost to the student
For the past two semesters, Lamar Community College has partnered to offer evening English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at no cost to English language learners. The fall course introduced English to community members whose primary or only language is Spanish, while the spring course continued to build students’ skills in reading, writing, listening to, and speaking English.
The College underwrote the cost of the course for 16 students in the fall. This spring, High Plains Community Health Center and the Southeast Colorado Diversity Council provided funding to cover the eight students who enrolled in the next course. This provided an opportunity to partner in assisting area residents to build their English skills – and often employability.
Improving English skills can often mean a more successful integration into the community and the workplace. At least one area employer has already noticed improved English skills in their employees who participated in the courses.
“LCC works to provide educational opportunities for all community members. It is rewarding to partner in offering ESL courses to serve individuals, employers, and the community,” said LCC President Dr. Linda Lujan. “We look forward to continuing to meet this important need.”
McClave School teacher Adriana Almanza taught the two courses. Her instruction provided consistency and continuity over the courses’ duration. She holds a Master’s in Education with an endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education.
LCC looks forward to offering this service to area residents again in the future. While another evening cohort is not been planned at this time, there is an ESL 044 course currently on the fall schedule. It will be delivered on Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:00 a -12:15 p. Employers may consider sponsoring employees to take this course during their lunch hour.
For more information on future ESL courses, contact Jenna Davis, LCC Director of Admissions, at 336.1589 or jenna.davis@lamarcc.edu.