CLATSOP COMMUNITY COLLEGE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 15, 2007
Contact: Eileen Purcell, 503-338-2557; Bill Pierson, 503-338-2336
CCC Receives Autzen Foundation Grant for ESL at Emerald Heights
CCC’s Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) program has received a
grant from the Autzen Foundation to provide an on-site English language (ESL)
class at the Emerald Heights housing complex in Astoria.
“CCC is the only local provider of ESL instruction in the lower Columbia
region
and demand for such instruction is increasing significantly,” according
to Bill Pierson, AEFL Director at CCC. “It’s also true that for many
students, getting the instruction is difficult due to transportation and childcare
needs. We are trying to creatively address these issues.”
The College offers ESL instruction at its main campus in Astoria, but in recent
years has expanded its outreach throughout Clatsop County, providing instruction
where there is a concentration of potential students. These outreach efforts
often rely on donated classroom space, such as that provided by Martin Hospitality
for ESL instruction for its employees in Cannon Beach.
Emerald Heights is providing space for this newest class, and the Autzen Foundation
grant of $7992 will pay for an instructor and overhead expenses. The class focuses
on basic English, in particular speaking and listening skills, while also developing
students’ reading, writing and computer skills. Because the class incorporates
learning about local school, community and social structures into the curriculum,
it will also enhance students’ life skills while improving their English.
“For the house-bound mothers with young children who live at Emerald Heights
and
who need to improve their English skills, this class will be a real boon,” says
Eileen Purcell, CCC’s Outreach Literacy Coordinator. “They will be
able to bring their children with them to class. We also know that helping these
parents is fundamental to raising the literacy level of the entire family.”
To learn more, go to www.clatsopcc.edu/about/grants.
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