Bridge: Reading & Research Writing

Moorpark College and Conejo Valley Adult School Bridge Program
receive grant from SAGE/Corwin
Grant allows for scholarship availability to qualified students

Thousand Oaks, CA (November, 2012) — Moorpark College and the Conejo Valley Adult School received a second $12,000 grant from SAGE and Corwin in support of the year-old Bridge Program, which offers classes to adults who want to return to college and/or the workforce but require additional skills and training to do so successfully. The course subjects include Writing Skills, Critical Reading, Basic Math, Pre-Algebra.... Completing these classes helps students avoid remedial courses at community college. The schools received an equal grant last year, which was used to help launch the Bridge program. Enrollment will begin in January for classes beginning January 22, 2013.

The grant allows for instructors and program coordination as well as funding for public awareness and community outreach. The program has met with a positive response from enrolled students but still has capacity to serve additional students.

"As a passionate advocate of lifelong learning, SAGE is happy to support a program that enables adults to receive the education necessary for both professional advancement and an improved community," stated Blaise Simqu, President and CEO of SAGE Publications. "I congratulate the Conejo Valley Adult School and Moorpark College for a year of success with the Bridge Program and am eager to see the program grow for years to come."

As state and nation-wide budget cuts in education have forced community colleges to scale back on courses of this nature, adult schools have become the go-to resource for those looking for this kind of education, and grants like these help allow for adult schools to develop the classes necessary to meet this growing need.

"The Bridge program has done a tremendous job of putting college and technical education within reach for adults who want to go back to school. We're proud to continue supporting a program that provides such opportunity and enrichment for the community in which we live and work," said Mike Soules, President of Corwin.

Conejo Valley Adult School works in partnership with Moorpark College to offer the skills that are needed for successful transition from the Bridge Program to Moorpark. As the community college system is required to cut back courses, the Bridge Program offers potential students an opportunity to gain the skills they need for success in college courses. A special counselor has been designated to help students make a smooth transition to Moorpark when the time comes to make the move.

Pam Eddinger, Moorpark College President, states, "The partnership between the Bridge Program and the College is an important link in the educational pipeline for our county. Students will be better prepared for college entry, and primed to succeed in college and in the workforce. We are again grateful to the generous support of SAGE and Corwin. This collaborative model allows us to pioneer innovative strategies that can remedy the shortage of basic skills courses."

A unique feature of the grant is that a portion of the funds received will go to students who complete a Bridge class and transition to Moorpark College. These students will be eligible to apply for academic scholarships based on application, teacher endorsement and administrator selection. Loredana Carson, Transition Coordinator for CVAE, says that this feature allows deserving students to be recognized for the achievement of successful program participation, and will encourage students to make the most out of the Bridge Program.

Jeff Baarstad, CVUSD Superintendent, praised SAGE and Corwin for the timing of their outreach. "This grant will touch the community in many far-reaching ways and will allow adults to proceed on their pathway to a more secure future."

Emanuel Castillo came to the United States from Mexico seven years ago, speaking no English. Since then, Castillo, 27, has worked his way up to being a waiter and assistant manager at the Country Harvest restaurant in Newbury Park.

He speaks fluent English and has earned his high school equivalency diploma.

Now he'd like to earn a degree in business administration and open his own restaurant, or maybe be a teacher. But he doesn't feel quite ready for college, and he's not sure how to go about enrolling.

So he's joining a new program offered through the Conejo Valley Adult School that offers remedial classes to help students get ready for college.

"I'm hoping ... not hoping: I am goingto start (college) in January," said the Newbury Park man. "I didn't really feel secure yet to take that step. I need more information before I start college. I don't know how to do it."

The Bridge to College program, which begins this fall, will offer classes in basic algebra, college-prep writing, critical reading and Internet literacy.

"This is what's needed," said Loredana Carson, transition program coordinator at the adult school.

The adult school is working with Moorpark College so students can make the transition to college more smoothly. Because of state budget cuts, community colleges can't afford to offer remedial classes far below college level, said Pam Eddinger, president of Moorpark College. Those classes also don't fulfill the community colleges' core mission, Eddinger said.

"We're partnering with them to make sure our students don't fall through the cracks," she said. "It's a more efficient way to get more students through the pipeline. ... This is the compassionate way to do it."

Classes that meet twice a week cost $75; those that meet once a week are $50. Enrollment has begun, but students must register in person.

Kathy Demac, 59, went to college years ago and would like to return. She also wants to brush up on her writing and computer skills.

"I was always interested in sciences, but I never got my bachelor's," said Demac, a yoga therapist and Pilates instructor who lives in Agoura Hills. "It's always bothered me because you can't go to other higher-education programs without it."

Castillo hopes others take advantage of the new program, too.

"If anyone would think it's too late to go to school, it's never too late," he said. "This country offers you so many opportunities. If you want to be somebody, you're in the right place."

Bridge program gets $12,000 grant
Ventura County Star, January 1, 2012

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