BTC launches Reaching Out to East 542

Written by Kira Cox | The Bellingham Herald | August 27, 2010

Starting this fall, adults in the Deming and Kendall areas will have easy access to Bellingham Technical College math and English courses.
The college is launching Reaching Out to East 542, a series of evening classes designed to help low-income adults who want to attend college but may need help preparing to do so.
The program is being funded by a two-year, $100,000 grant from College Spark Washington, an organization that gives money to programs that promote college readiness and retention.
“Something we’ve been wanting to do for a long time is taking classes out to the county where students might have trouble getting to the BTC campus or there are folks who might want to start into their careers more gently,” said Susan Parker, associate dean of instruction at BTC.
The program is geared towards a variety of students, including immigrants, people who haven’t gotten their high school diploma or GED or people who have unsuccessfully attended college in the past.
For the fall, three courses are being offered: essential reading, essential writing and basic math. Classes will change each quarter, with college-level math and English courses being added eventually.
“The classes will assist people in sharpening their skills for job searches and getting into careers,” Parker said, adding that college officials hope it also draws more students to campus to get a one-year certificate or college degree. “We hope students will start off with the basic education courses and move up into developmental and then college courses.”
Tuition is $25 for each class.
BTC officials have been working with the Nooksack Indian Tribe and the Mt. Baker School District to determine what classes people might want and when to offer them, Parker said.
All fall quarter classes are offered from 6 to 9 p.m., four nights each week. Classes will be held at either Kendall Elementary School and Mt. Baker High School.
Fall quarter begins Sept. 20. East 542 Applications are available here and can be returned by email to bgist@btc.ctc.edu or in person at the Mt. Baker School District office, 4956 Deming Road.