The Blinn College District is offering free, online adult education and literacy courses for students learning English as a second language or preparing to take their General Education Development or High School Equivalency tests.
Blinn’s Adult Education and Literacy Program provides students access to ESL classes and courses to prepare for the GED or HiSET tests. Other offerings include training to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language, college preparation courses, and skills upgrading courses in reading, math, and language.
Anthony Garcia, director of Adult Education and Literacy, says the goal of their program is to help students obtain their high school equivalency or improve their English fluency but also to teach them a skill.
“We want to get these individuals into the workforce as quickly as possible so they can get into a high-wage, high-demand occupation,” says Garcia.
Blinn’s GED/HiSET courses prepare students for the GED and HiSET exams. Successfully obtaining a GED or HiSET helps working adults remain in the workforce and improves their long-term earning potential. Passing one of these exams places students interested in continuing their education one step closer to being college ready.
Garcia says there is a need for a more skilled work force, especially in technical trade areas, which this program will directly help.
“We want to encourage a trained population to meet some of the job demands in our community,” says Garcia.
Blinn’s ESL classes teach students to communicate more effectively. Offered at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, classes are structured to help students improve their English language skills through conversation, practical exercises, and guided instruction.
“It’s very dynamic. We talk a lot,” says Advanced ESL student Fatima Bazan, who moved to the United States from Mexico. “You also meet a lot of people from other countries and learn about other cultures.”
As part of a commitment to improving employment potential, the AEL Program is launching an ambassador program to provide mentorship, professional development opportunities, and connect students with information about degree and certification programs.
To view the schedule or enroll in one of Blinn’s AEL courses, visit www.blinn.edu/adult-education or call (979) 209-7300 to get more information. Daytime and evening classes are available.
Registration also is currently open for Blinn’s fall 2020 semester. For application and registration information, visit www.blinn.edu.
