Panhandle Times

Laredo Community College issued the following announcement.

The Laredo College Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) Department was granted $1.1 million dollars that will fund English as Second Language (ESL) and High School Equivalency (GED) instruction. Additionally, workforce skills scholarships are available, which pay for tuition, equipment, uniforms, instructional material and testing.

“When individuals have the power to obtain an education that leads to sustainable employment, they not only change their lives, they also impact their communities. It is important for our institution to provide people with the necessary tools to reach their educational goals,” Laredo College President Ricardo J. Solis said. “Laredo College works tirelessly to obtain the necessary funds to allow citizens to develop their skills or acquire new ones.”

Additional programs such as Civics, Digital Literacy, Financial Literacy and Family Literacy are also funded through this grant.

These funds will provide over 1,000 prospective students the opportunity to participate in this program. This semester, 500 students from Webb, Jim Hogg and Zapata counties were able to take advantage of this opportunity. Participants were offered flexible morning or evening schedules, as well as virtual course options to adhere to COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.

“Adult literacy is of the utmost importance to Laredo College. Literacy not only enriches an individual's life, but creates opportunities for people to develop skills that will help them provide for themselves and their families,” Dean of Community Education Sandra Cortez said. “These programs are designed for participants to begin a career pathway, learn a skill and continue on their educational or workforce pathway.”

Registration for these courses is underway. Classes will be offered in a virtual environment. New certifications that are available for the upcoming sessions are Certified Medical Administrative Assistant, Certified Office Manager and Small Business Management - Entrepreneurship.  

To qualify for these programs, prospective students must be at least 16 years old, lack a high school diploma, function below the high school level or are unable to speak, read or write the English language.

For more information, you may contact the Adult Education and Literacy Department at (956) 721-5436 or (956) 794-4436. You may also contact this team via e-mail at ael_staff@laredo.edu.

Original source can be found here.