For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: August 8, 2024
New ELL summer program attracts students to campus
Fennimore -
A group of area students was immersed in English Language Learning (ELL) classes at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College recently. The college offered its first-ever Summer English Language Learning Pre-College Program, from Aug. 5-9, for high school students and students who will be entering college.
Their studies included 3-4 hours, daily, of ELL instruction. They also took a college-level Microsoft Word course, earning them one credit. In addition, the students conducted career exploration, and learned about campus resources and financial planning for college. “All of their experiences on campus were aimed at providing them with the tools they need to succeed in college and beyond,” said Kyle Bennett, student success/recruitment manager, at Southwest Tech.
Some of the students stayed in campus housing during the week. They participated in fun evening activities, including visiting local restaurants, hanging out in Charley’s student center, dancing Norteña (a traditional Mexican style of dance), having a cookout, disc golf, visiting a local nature preserve, and more.
According to Bennett, some of the students are gearing up for high school classes, while others are getting ready for Southwest Tech classes to begin.
The week-long event was funded by a Wisconsin Technical College System Adult Education/English Language Learning Leadership Grant. The grant covered the costs for each participant, including meals and housing.
Kalee Crist and Whitney Schwindenhammer, served as the ELL instructors.
Looking to the future, Bennett is hopeful the program will continue. “We hope to improve on this year’s efforts to expand the program to more students,” he said.
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. The college was recently named a top 10 finalist for the Aspen Prize. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online, HyFlex and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |