Free ESL classes offered at Eastfield College

by PegNews wire

Eastfield College is providing a free English As a Second Language (ESL) class beginning September 24 at Williams Elementary and San Houston Middle School, both in Garland. Class meets from 6 – 8 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays through December 6.

For the past three years, Eastfield's Continuing Education Department has provided free ESL classes to those in the Garland area with funding provided by the Youth Achievement Foundation (a 501 (c) (3) educational foundation). These are classes for non-native speakers and in order to qualify for the free class, parents must bring their children to be part of the One-on-One Mentoring program that is held concurrently.

The program is the initial step for new language speakers to become involved in their education. Students receive a course certificate upon completion of the class and receive transfer information for the ESL program offered at Eastfield College.

The YAF, through its One-on-One Mentoring program, helps young students improve their math and reading skills, while also helping these students grow and establish future goals.

"When I learned about the contract training opportunity, I could not believe what I was hearing. Free tuition, books, workbooks and materials for ESL parents. Free weekly, themed sessions. Free student-mentoring from area business men and women for boys and girls enrolled in the One-on-One Mentoring program, all paid for by YAF; that is so generous," said Maria Caratini-Prado, who is in charge of the partnership. According to Caratini- Prado, over the years YAF has generously contributed over $20,000 in free tuition and materials for the program.

For more information contact Maria Caratini-Prado at 972-860-7659 or Joseph Walker at 214-514-3640. Registration is September 10, 13, 20 & 24.

Eastfield College, one of the seven Dallas County Community Colleges, is located at 3737 Motley Drive in Mesquite, just north of I-30.

Source: Eastfield College