UKIAH >> On Thursday, Feb. 2 English as a Second Language Instructor Euline Olinger provided three of her students with a much needed Karen Gilmore ESL Book voucher.
The Mendocino College Foundation established the ESL Book Award in 2011 at the request of Sara Walsh, English Professor. The award is a book scholarship which provides financial assistance to students. Eligible students are enrolled in noncredit ESL classes and are not eligible for any other college awards or scholarship.
Thanks to the generosity of local individuals, businesses, and the College Foundation, the program provides support to some of the over 400 noncredit ESL students enrolled in the colleges program. When asked where some of the students hail from they included Afghanistan, China, Venezuela, Peru and Mexico.
“ESL students need the same support services that students taking credit coursework need. Money for books is a tremendous help for these deserving students”, stated Olinger.
Mendocino College offers ESL classes at multiple locations and at all levels, from beginning to advanced. Courses are designed to meet the needs of the Lake and Mendocino counties. Courses are offered during the day and in the evening and are open to anyone. “Our ESL program is good for our students and for our communities. We are training an important segment of our workforce, providing them with the language skills they need to be successful in their lives,” says Walsh.
For more information about the Mendocino College Foundation or to donate towards any of their programs, call 707-467-1018 or visit http://foundation.mendocino.edu.
