Published May 21, 2024
Approximately 124 students, in three classes, earned completion certificates for their education gains at the DC3 Adult Learning Center on Thursday, May 16. [Photo by Alba Gutierrez-Ortiz]
On Thursday, May 16, the Dodge City Community College (DC3) Adult Learning Center (ALC) hosted three English Language Acquisition Ceremonies, for approximately 124 students who earned completion certificates for their English achievements.
At Thursday’s ceremonies, Rev. Debra Muylaert delivered the invocation, and Kansas State Representative Jason Goetz, District 119, and Dr. Clayton Tatro, DC3 Vice President for Workforce Development, were the guest speakers.
The goal of the ALC is to prepare students for English proficiency required at higher education institutions like DC3 and to prepare them for the workforce. It offers seven levels of English classes and a course to prepare for the Citizenship Exam.
“Our students come in every day giving the best they can with what they have,” Maria Rojas, ALC Director, said. “They sacrifice time with family and work to attend classes to better their English skills. I’m honored to work with great instructors that care and give their best every day to help our students achieve their goals.”
At the ALC, a collaboration between agencies, like the Kansas Department of Children and Families, Dodge City Public School’s Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Center, Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas, Cargill, and the KansasWorks Workforce Center, helps these students further their goals.
The center has been a place of learning for many students over the years, and it has welcomed numerous refugees and asylees throughout its history. Although some immigrant students arrive at the center with diplomas or degrees from their native countries, they are unable to use their education in their new home.
Depending on their individual circumstances, some students stay for an extended period, while others only attend for a shorter time. And some students have even gone on to become instructors at the ALC.
For more information about the DC3 ALC and its available classes, please contact Maria Rojas at mrojas@dc3.edu.
By Alba Gutierrez-OrtizDC3 Marketing and Media Specialist
Photos by Alba Gutierrez-Ortiz
Photo by Jessica Sotelo