SPRUCE PINE – Mayland Community College’s Pre-College Programs department offers non-native English speakers a chance to advance their education.
Mayland offers free English as a Second Language classes to any adult whose primary language is something other than English. The classes are open to speakers of any language.
Program Coordinator Whitney Hobart said the classes offer training in multiple languages and prepare learners for roles in their respective communities.
“While students do learn English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, they also learn technology skills, civic awareness, career training and how to better navigate their communities,” Hobart said.
Mayland’s ESL classes also can help students prepare for the United States citizenship test.
New student enrollment takes place monthly and classes are open to anyone, regardless of citizenship status. Classes are offered during the day and evening at sites on the college’s Mitchell, Avery and Yancey campuses.
Hobart said in the past year, the Mayland ESL program has successfully prepared two students for their citizenship test and has had other positive effects on many other learners.
“We have had students continue their education by earning their North Carolina High School Equivalency Diploma, entering diploma programs or completing further workforce training,” Hobart said. “Students report being promoted at their current place of employment or finding better job opportunities with their improved English skills.”
Interested students are encouraged to call 828-766-1333.
Hobart said the ESL classes are a key part of Mayland’s offerings to the community and she expects them to continue to be popular.
“Students who have enrolled in Mayland’s ESL classes have experienced positive impacts,” Hobart said. “These classes benefit both the students and our communities as a whole.”