For more information, please contact:
Heather Irani, Interim CBET Program Coordinator - iranih@smccd.edu
Liz Schuler, VESL Program Coordinator – schuler@smccd.edu
Diana Espinoza, CBET/VESL Staff Assistant - espinozaosunad@smccd.edu
(650) 306-3388 Building 3, Room 147
What are the CBET and VESL programs?
Where and when are courses offered?
What happens to students when they finish the CBET/VESL programs?
Who is eligible to participate in the CBET/VESL programs?
How much does it cost to participate in the program?
What are the benefits of participating in the CBET/VESL programs?
How can I get more information about CBET/VESL?
What is the CBET program?
The CBET program is funded by proposition 227 and offers beginning level English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to parents and community members throughout California who pledge to tutor school-age children. The Cañada College CBET program is a collaboration between the San Mateo Community College District (SMCCD), the Redwood City School District (RCSD), and Sequoia Union High School District (SUHSD).top
What is the VESL Program?
The Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) Program is a new program within the CBET Program housed under the ESL Department at Cañada College. The VESL program provides language and computer skills classes for the workforce. The community-based VESL classes serve as a bridge to on-campus academic and career programs. Upon completing the VESL program, students receive the English for the Workforce Award. This program has been made possible in part from a grant from Silicon Valley Community Foundation.
What courses are offered?
CBET
ESL 800 ESL PREPARATORY COURSE
Beginning-level English language study and practice in all skills (grammar, vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading, and writing) in preparation for ESL Level I courses. One year of previous English language study, ESL 807 or placement by College ESL Placement Test is recommended. Units do not apply toward AA/AS degree.
VESL
ESL 901 Language Skills for the Workforce (focus on Listening/Speaking/Reading) Equivalent to ESL 831 and 861. ESL 901 introduces students to high beginning integrated practice in reading, speaking and listening for vocational and English. Special attention is paid to high beginning vocabulary and comprehension of original authentic readings and lectures.
ESL 921 Grammar and Writing I (Vocational Focus) Equivalent to ESL 821 and 841. ESL 921 introduces students to grammar and writing skills at the high-beginning level with a focus on language skills for the workforce. Special attention is paid to grammar terminology for the purpose of editing student writing. One by arrangement online lab hour per week is required. top
Where and when are courses offered?
CBET/VESL courses are offered off-campus in the evenings (6-8pm, 8-10pm) at all sites *except for John Gill and Hoover, which hosts morning classes (9-11am) during the fall and spring semesters:
Redwood City Courses:
Hawes Elementary School
Hoover Elementary School*
John Gill Elementary School*
Taft Elementary School
East Palo Alto Courses:
Boys and Girls Club of East Palo Alto
What happens to students when they finish the CBET program?
CBET students usually study two or three semesters in the community-based CBET classes and then switch to campus to continue studying ESL and other careers. To date, over 400 CBET students have moved to campus to continue their studies.
CBET star graduate Lisbeth Mendoza poses with program coordinator Linda Haley after her initiation into Cañada’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Lisbeth continues her studies at Cañada College and is planning to transfer to U. C. Berkeley to pursue her engineering degree. (In the process of getting update on Lisbeth)
Who is eligible to participate in the CBET/VESL programs?
The CBET program is designed to serve parents and community members of the RCSD and SUHSD who pledge to tutor school age children once their English is proficient. Participants must be at least 18 years old and meet financial aid requirements for free tuition if they want to receive credit for the courses.
How much does it cost to participate in the program?
If students do not qualify for the Board of Governors Grant Fee Waiver (BOG), then they must pay the cost of the courses at the current college tuition rate. Textbooks costs approximately $35/semester. The CBET program does offer free babysitting at most sites and CBET students all volunteer time to coordinate literacy activities in the babysitting centers as part of the program requirement.
What are the benefits of participating in the CBET program?
1. Location/Transportation CBET students take classes in the schools located in their neighborhoods, so most can walk to class.
2. Free Babysitting Free babysitting for children 2-12 is offered at most sites.
3. College and Career Guidance CBET students learn about college and career opportunities through the CBET College Night, which is designed especially to open new doors for CBET students and their families.
John Gill Even Start CBET students pose in front of the college bookstore during one of their campus tours. Every semester, CBET students come to campus for CBET college and career orientation night, for campus tours, and to purchase textbooks and photo ID cards.
How can I get more information about CBET/VESL?
[ Cañada College, 4200 Farm Hill Boulevard, Redwood City, CA 94061 (650) 306-3100 ]
