Ukiah… Mendocino College Students enrolled in ESL (English as a Second Language) courses received $50 book awards to help them purchase the required materials for their college coursework. 

The Karen Gilmore ESL Book Award Program, established by the Mendocino College Foundation in Fall 2011, was designed to assist students enrolled in non-credit ESL coursework. Thanks to the generosity of local individuals, this program provides direct support to some of the ESL students enrolled in the program.

“ESL students need the same support services that students taking credit coursework need. Money for books is a tremendous help for these deserving students. There are over 300 students enrolled in ESL coursework at Mendocino College and our students come from Mexico,

Japan, Indonesia and all over the world,” stated Sarah Walsh, ESL Professor. Mendocino College offers ESL classes at multiple locations (Ukiah, Boonville, Covelo, Kelseyville, Fort Bragg, Lakeport) and at all levels, from beginning to advanced. Courses teach basic reading, writing and language skills. Courses are offered during the day and in the evening and are open to anyone. “Our ESL program is good for our students and for our communities. We are training an important segment of our workforce, providing them with the language skills they need to be successful in their lives,” says Walsh.

For more information about the Mendocino College Foundation or to donate towards and Mendocino College Foundation program, please contact Katie Fairbairn, Executive Director at kfairbairn@mendocino.edu or call 468-3164.