SEQUIM — Peninsula College and the YMCA of Sequim are working together to provide students in English as a Second Language classes a chance to learn essential skills while their children are in free childcare.
Starting Wednesday, Peninsula College English as a Second Language (ESL) classes will be offered at the YMCA of Sequim, at 610 N. Fifth Ave., with free childcare available to the students.
“Many times, students can’t make it to class because of a lack of childcare,” Peninsula College President Suzy Ames said. “The YMCA’s generosity removes this common barrier.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Y to serve our community.”
Other ESL student barriers include limited transportation and computer access.
The college will offer ESL classes in three other locations as well as Sequim — in Port Angeles, Port Townsend and Forks — to reduce student travel time, officials said.
All levels of English proficiency — beginner, intermediate and advanced — are welcome. Cost for classes is $25 per quarter. Tuition assistance is available, as is tutoring.
YMCA of Sequim will offer free childcare during ESL class time. While parents are learning, on-site play care will be available for infants and children up to 11 years of age. Children ages 12 and older may use all available areas of the Y, including the racquetball court and the pool.
The Y will work with ESL students to set up memberships if desired.
“We’re very excited about this partnership with Peninsula College,” said Gail Sumpter, YMCA of Sequim executive director.
“It’s a great program and we hope it will make English language classes more accessible to the Sequim community.”
Peninsula College also has partnered with the Peninsula College Foundation to ensure ESL students can borrow a laptop at no cost, which they get to keep if they continue with another program at the college.
“Our students are eager to improve their English skills,” Ames said. “It helps them secure better jobs, communicate with their kids’ teachers, and feel more comfortable in our community.
The college also offers job training programs embedded with ESL classes on the Port Angeles campus, she said.
The college says on its website that it can help students find and apply for jobs, go to college to prepare for a career, help their children with homework, and talk to their teachers.
“You will be more confident speaking to people in your community,” according to the website at pencol.edu/ESL, which includes more information about the program.
“Once we learn more about the needs and demand, we hope to explore additional partnerships to support ESL students” in Port Angeles, Port Townsend and Forks, said Cheryl Crane, dean of Arts & Sciences and Transitional Studies at Peninsula College.
Chairing the program is Sean Gomez on the Port Angeles campus. Faculty member is Ann Katsikapes on the Fort Worden campus in Port Townsend.