At the Education and Career Services (ECS) Department, we refer to all of our programs—whether it’s ESOL classes or HSE preparation—as “long-term goal programs.” That’s because they are designed not just to help students develop isolated academic skills, but to holistically prepare them for a lifetime of academic, career, financial, and personal success. We accomplish this by developing programs that align with the department’s six goals.

ECS programs are…

Skill Building

Learning isn’t just about the facts. All ECS programs focus on developing core language and STEM skills by rooting curriculum in Common Core Standards and College and Career Readiness Standards that focus on the cultivation of academic skills, not just content knowledge.

Individualized

Everyone has different goals and needs. In the classroom, teachers provide one-on-one assistance that targets the learner’s weaknesses by utilizing her strengths and preferred learning styles. Outside the classroom, program staff help find students the resources they need—whether it’s childcare, food stamps, or counseling—to overcome barriers to success.

Life Skills Oriented

Success isn’t just about academics. Our curriculum helps students master important soft skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and communication. Students also participate in life skills workshops such as financial literacy, health education, stress reduction, and time management.

Employment & College Focused

Ambition drives life-long learners. By offering career workshops such as resume writing, interview preparation, and the job search; providing one-on-one job placement services; and by offering college planning, college application, and financial aid assistance, we ensure students have the resources they need to transition to their next step.

Intensive

Growth requires commitment. All ECS programs are intensive, meeting several days a week and immersing students in the curriculum. Study groups and tutoring reinforce material and foster a community of learners.

Motivating

Everyone can learn. The ECS Department strives to unlock students’ inner potential by helping them recognize their strengths and providing them the tools to overcome their weaknesses.

With over 85% of incoming students at or below the 125% poverty level, our programs are a leading force in breaking the cycle of generational poverty by equipping students with the skills, tools, and resources they need to overcome linguistic, cultural, economic, and personal barriers. Our students are strong. Our students are prepared. Our students succeed.