Face-to-face English classes are back at DMACC.
Do you want to learn English as a Second Language? Whether you speak no English at all or if you know a little or a lot of English, DMACC has free classes for you!
DMACC’s VanKirk Career Academy will offer English as a Second Language courses to any adult who wants to learn English. DMACC Director Eddie Diaz said the value these classes bring to people and employers.
“Having a strong grasp of the English language is an essential part of taking that next step towards the American dream,” said Diaz. “Immigrants who have a strong work ethic but lack English skills can face barriers in the workplace. Now more than ever, our industry needs a strong workforce. These free classes are one step towards that.”
New students must attend an orientation session prior to registration, Diaz said. The orientation session will include testing and placement as well as registration for the courses.
Non-credit English Language Learner (ELL) courses, formerly called ESL or English as a Second Language, consist of multi-level English instruction for anyone 18 years or older.
The courses move learners from a beginner level to a solid intermediate level of proficiency. The classes cover the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, and they help to improve pronunciation and build vocabulary.
The primary goal of the course is to teach the ability to communicate in English according to the situation, purpose and roles of the participants. DMACC Non-Credit ELL program is currently offering five levels of classes (from beginner to advanced).
Face-to-face and online classes are scheduled to be offered at:
- Perry VanKirk Center (1011 Second St., Perry, IA 50220)
- Urban Campus (1100 Seventh St., Des Moines, IA 50314)
- Southridge Center (1111 E. Army Post Rd., Des Moines, IA 50315)
- Ames Hunziker Center (1420 S. Bell Ave., Ames, IA 50010)
- Hope+Elim Church (2500 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50311)
- Oakridge Neighborhood (1401 Center St., Des Moines, IA 50309)
Perry VanKirk classes will be held in the evening from 6-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Session One will run from Aug. 30 to Oct. 21.
The availability of class levels and times may vary from location to location. If you have questions about the times and levels of classes available at a particular location, contact DMACC VanKirk Academy at perrycenter@dmacc.eduj or 515-428-8100 or contact Lori Rice at lsrice@dmacc.edu or 515-287-8723.
To register online, go to the DMACC website and select NON-CREDIT ELL. Then click on the link “Click Here to Make a Registration Appointment,” and select your preferred location/date/time for a registration appointment. You will be asked to fill out a little bit of information about yourself. This reserves a registration appointment for you for Fall Session One. Registration appointments will take place during the week of Aug. 16.
These ELL classes are free and use an online textbook called “Burlington English” that you do not need to pay for. Your teacher will talk to you about “Burlington English” during the first week of class and provide you with a username and password.
