The Adult Education and Literacy Student Recognition Ceremony, held Wednesday, June 5, celebrated High School Equivalency and English as a Second Language achievements by students.
There were 60 students receiving High School Equivalency, 30 students receiving honors in the English as a Second Language Program, and three students becoming U.S. Citizens.
Carolina De Leon, the English as a Second Language student speaker, talked about her journey through ESL. She said that the difference for her was having teachers who “encouraged me to challenge myself.” And, with their help, she and others were able to “push ourselves to reach our goals.”
Shaylynn Osborn, the High School Equivalency student speaker, spoke of her journey that finally led to completing the HSE program. Though she was stuck in a cycle of trying to finish a HSE program, she said, “This would be my last time.” Shaylynn said it took courage, dedication and discipline, and that she plans to continue her studies at SCC by enrolling in a credit program.
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, offered at no cost, help non-native speakers improve English skills in reading, writing, speaking and understanding (listening), with a special focus on conversational skills for home and workplace literacy. SCC also offers specialty classes in TOEFL, citizenship, pronunciation and writing. Students from beginner to advanced levels will find classes to help them improve their English skills.
High School Equivalency (HSE) classes, also offered at no cost, teach basic reading, math and writing skills to prepare people to take the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET®) or to improve basic academic skills for college readiness or career advancement.
The Adult Education and Literacy program at St. Charles Community College served nearly 1100 total students this year with 801 in English as a Second Language classes alone.
For more information about the AEL program at SCC, call 636-922-8411.