Enrollment Explodes For ESL Courses At College Of The Desert

Palm Desert CA

22 February, 2022

12:42 PM

Description

Press release from College of the Desert: Feb. 22, 2022 A federal grant to increase enrollment after COVID-19 proved incredibly successful at College of the Desert, where signups for English as a Second Language Noncredit (ESLN) courses dramatically increased for the spring semester. The number of students enrolled in the ESLN program jumped from 730 in Spring 2021 to 1,502 in Spring 2022 – an increase of just over 105%, and there is still time to add these classes. College of the Desert utilized a pandemic-relief retention and re-engagement grant from the U.S. Department of Education to offer students $150 per ESLN course for the Spring 2022 semester. The grant helps students pay for books, tuition, living expenses, and other essentials and is separate from other scholarships or grants they might receive. "The increase in ESLN enrollment is a result of strategically using federal funding to enhance support for students and improve their probability to succeed," said College Superintendent/President Martha Garcia Ed.D. "ESLN courses are a powerful tool for students who want to develop the language skills they need to accomplish their goals, whether that's obtaining their GED or vocational certificate or advancing in their career." The ESLN Program offers six levels of English and three certificates: the English Proficiency Certificate for English language skills needed in day-to-day living and working situations; the Academic English Certificate for students who are planning on pursuing a college degree or vocational certificate; and the Certificate of Completion in Vocational ESLN for those seeking employment in a variety of fields. Students who participate in ESLN courses are more likely to find work, which improves their lives and positively contributes to the economy of the Coachella Valley. The program corresponds with College of the Desert's goal of helping students create their tomorrow. Students should contact [email protected] or (760) 346-8041 for full details on the grant and funding allotments per unit for credit and noncredit courses. This press release was produced by College of the Desert. The views expressed here are the author's own.