Seattle’s growing economy has attracted new residents with big hopes and dreams. They are ready to learn, work hard, and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Because the need for skilled workers is so great, many have been able to find well-paying jobs and provide comfortably for their families. Others have faced more challenges, in part because they don’t have a good command of the English language. For many years, Seattle Colleges has offered level 1 through 5 English as a Second Language (ESL) courses that help non-native speakers communicate in English and increase their understanding of American culture. Conversation, pronunciation, reading, writing, and grammar are taught through topics important to adult learners. As a result, students are better equipped to adapt to their new environment and community. The colleges—Seattle Central College, North Seattle College, South Seattle College and Seattle Vocational Institute—also have ESL classes that combine specific job training with language learning. These contextualized classes shorten the time it takes to get started on a career pathway. Here are some of the programs:
ESL Business and Computers
• Workplace English and communication skills
• Computer skills: MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and email
• Social media and online tools
• Time and money management for work
ESL College and Careers
• Careers and college choices
• Workplace English and communication skills
• Computer basics, email, and internet career search
• How to start a training program
• Write a resume
ESL Health Care
• Medical readings and vocabulary
• Clear communication with clients
• Prepare for the Home Care Aide (HCA) class
ESL Start Your Own Business
• Ideas and skills to start your own business
• American business culture
• Improve your English and learn business vocabulary
• How to earn a certificate from the Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship* (CIE)
• How to get one-on-one help from CIE on how to start a business
IBEST Central Supply Technician
• Prepare for employment in surgical services in a health care facility
• Infection control and distribution of surgical equipment
• Patient and workplace safety
• Interpersonal skills and communication
• Professionalism and ethics
IBEST CNC Machining
• Blueprint reading and machine tooling
• Computer-aided manufacturing
• Prepare for a well-paid job in the aerospace or maritime industries
IBEST Early Childhood
Education (ECE)
• Prepare for careers in early childhood education, family child care, and child care centers
• Introduction to early childhood education
• Health, safety, and nutrition
• Relationships and communication
IBEST Home Care Aide
• Home Care Aide skills and vocabulary
• Prepare to take the State Home Care Aide exam
• Take a step toward the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) class
For more information
Enroll today, and get started on a better life. Classes start as low as $25 each. Go to go.seattlecolleges.edu/form/interestdistrict or call one of our Spanish-speaking staff below for more information.
Financial Assistance
Financial aid staff at each campus will give you information on ways to pay for college, and they will help you complete the paperwork to apply for assistance. There is no charge for this service.
• Grants and Scholarships: Free money that students don’t need to repay if they maintain certain grades. There are some scholarships available for undocumented students.
• Opportunity Grants: For students who are in certain programs of study, such as aviation, computing technology, nursing and wood construction, these can help pay for tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
• Employment: Work-study programs provide part-time jobs while a student is in college.
We also have staff who will help with debt, repairing credit, budgeting, financial planning, and avoiding predatory lending. This free service is available to students and non-students. Call us and we will help with the application, financial aid, and choosing the right degree program. Seattle Central College: Antonio Diaz, 206.934.4147. North Seattle College: Juan Gallegos, 206.934.7301. South Seattle College: Ricardo Leyva-Puebla, 206.934.6455
