Ivy Tech celebrates first graduates from ESL Career Training course
The program helps those in the community who are non-native English speakers learn language skills and career training.
The program recently received a $50,000 grant from Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) and the NiSource Charitable Foundation.
Among those earning certificates Wednesday were Vincente and Norma Garcia, owners of La Fiesta restaurant, 524 North St.
The couple said they were excited to be earn their certificates and they looked forward to continuing the program at the next level.
Vincente was encouraged to take the courses by Carlos Marroquin, ESL coordinator for Ivy Tech's Kokomo Service Area. Vincente than asked his wife to join him.
'We encourage anyone to come and participate in the program,' the couple said with Marroquin's assistance as a translator. 'It's a great, great program for people like us who are maybe a little bit older. It's never too late to learn. It's never too late to get ahead in life. Overall, we have great things to say about the program and we encourage everyone to at least get information (about the course.)'
'Starting this program back in November there was a lot of uncertainty,' Marroquin said. 'We built it from the ground up. What we've done in such a short amount of time is phenomenal. I feel very blessed to be here. We are making an impact on our community and individual lives. I'm excited to see where we go from here.'
Lizette Garcia, Vincente and Norma's daughter, said she was very happy to see her parents earn the certificate. Normally they are watching her graduate, she said.
She attended Ivy Tech, studying in the ASAP program, a program that helps students complete the first two years of college in under a year. From there she transferred to IUPUI and graduated with her bachelors in psychology and sociology.
'My dad has always been big on learning English, learning to read English, anything to be able to better communicate with his clientele,' she said. 'As a business owner we have a lot of different cultures coming in and out of their business and it was very important for him to be able to communicate with them.'
Lizette said that Ivy Tech was a great institution and said it was a great starting point for those looking to get an education or just learn English through the ESL career training program.
'I would definitely advise anyone who doesn't know where to look, who don't have the resources or tools to reach out to Ivy Tech,' she said. 'Ivy Tech has a great team. They can get all the help and resources they need.'
The funding from NIPSCO and the NiSource Charitable Foundation will cover fees for things like instructional tools, the Test of Adult Basic Education (an English assessment test) and EnGen, a language learning software.
After taking the test, students are placed in the proper class based on their English language skills. There are four levels of classes and students can advance to each level by completing the previous course they tested into.
'By reducing language barriers and equipping individuals with essential job skills, the ESL Career Training Program will create clear pathways to educational and workforce success,' said NIPSCO's Karen McLean, Public Affairs & Economic Development manager in a press release. 'NIPSCO and the NiSource Charitable Foundation are proud to support this community initiative.'
McLean was at the ceremony Wednesday night, handing the students their certificates as they were called to the stage.
'So much of what we do is dependent upon really great partners,' said Ethan Heicher, chancellor of the Ivy Tech Kokomo service area. 'Great community partners, a great community and NIPSCO has always been a great friend for the college. They have supported us whether it be funding STEM camp or this ESL program. They've been willing to commit to helping our community. We really appreciate their contribution.'
Marroquin encouraged anyone interested in learning more about the course to reach out to him.
The next class will run from June 9 to August 1 at Ivy Tech's Logansport Campus. Day and evening classes are available. For more information, contact Marroquin at cmarroquin1@ivytech.edu or call 574-398-6081.
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