ADULT EDUCATION

Another component of Inspiring Young Minds and Families is our Adult Education Program which provides adults with no computer experience and/or minimal to no English the opportunity to learn new skills. Our classes are designed to meet the needs of the individuals we serve.

Our adult students are almost exclusively immigrants from extremely low-income backgrounds. Some are parents of children enrolled in our programs. Others are adults for whom opportunities to gain computer skills or learn English are scarce due to unpredictable work schedules. And still others are newly arrived immigrants who seek a safe place where they can establish connections with individuals from similar cultural backgrounds. Our community driven approach has effectively created a supportive environment that encourage learning.

TSCC also offers workshops such as interviewing for a job, accessing legal services, and health related workshops. In 2007, students participated in a community dialogue on health and in a 6-week nutrition education/cooking series. Both were presented in Spanish.

TSCC offers three levels of Basic English classes. All ESL classes are 6 weeks in duration, twice per week, and are taught in the evenings. Our dedicated instructors are volunteers with a passion for serving immigrant populations and social justice issues. ESL classes are offered in the fall and spring.

Students enrolled in our ESL classes learn to take steps towards becoming community leaders, gain marketable skills that can increase their earning potential, and are more likely to participate in other programs including civic engagement opportunities.

Basic English Level I – Introduces students to proper pronunciation, vocabulary, adjectives, and basic nouns, pronouns, and verbs. Students are also taught basic phrases that are useful in everyday conversations. This level is appropriate for students with no English skills.

Basic English Level II – This is a continuation of Level I. Students expand their vocabulary. This level is appropriate for students with minimal verbal or written English skills.

Basic English Level III – This is a continuation of Level II. This course is faster paced and focused on encouraging students to improve their ability to speak English through practice, repetition and in groups. This level is appropriate for students who have a basic understanding of written English but need to improve their conversational skills.

Computer Classes

TSCC offers a unique computer learning experience that also provides mentoring opportunities for adult students. Our beginner level classes are designed for adults with little to no computer or typing skills. Classes are 13 weeks in duration, once per week and taught in the evenings. Classes are available in Spanish and English. Students who wish to take Spanish language computer classes are strongly encouraged to co-enroll in ESL classes as a way to enhancing the overall learning experience.

Students enrolled in our computer classes gain vital skills that can lead to better paying jobs, improve access to community resources, and even help develop connections with friends and family in other cities, states or countries through the internet. Adult students are strongly encouraged to co-enroll in both classes.

Computer classes are taught in our Don Edwards Computer Learning Academy. DECLA, as it is affectionately known, is a computer lab named after a young tech savvy student with who loved to share his talent so that others, especially those less fortunate, could learn new skills.

Computer Class Overview

Level I Course – Introduces students to basic computer usage including how to turn on the computer, use of a mouse & keyboard, how to access & navigate the internet, and names of common computer programs and hardware.

Level II Course – This is a continuation of Level I. This class is tailored to student needs and may include a variety of topics including use of spreadsheets, word processing, and expanded use of the internet including email.

How to Enroll in ESL or Computer Classes

Each student must complete an enrollment application.  A $10 voluntary enrollment fee is applicable.

Applications may be picked up in person at the Third Street Community Center located at 160 N. 3rd Street. To receive a copy by mail, please call (408) 295-8722. Best time to enroll is during our Open House scheduled for Thursday, September 4th, 2008 at 5:30pm.

Please note that we may not be able to enroll all students once we reach our maximum classroom capacity.