Adult Education and Transitional Studies programs are designed to meet the employment and precollege educational needs of students 19 years or older regardless of previous educational background or ability. Courses are individualized to better serve the special needs of each student. All day and evening courses are offered on a continuous, open-enrollment basis during the year at more than 20 community sites, public schools and special institutions throughout the district.
Adult Basic Education
Adult Basic Education offers students an opportunity to improve literacy skills through a holistic, integrated approach to reading. In reading lab classes, learners participate in group work and individualized instruction to improve word recognition, vocabulary skills and comprehension. In addition to improving literacy, the program also emphasizes necessary job skills and basic computer skills.
Adult Basic Education classes are in pre-high school equivalency certificate and prepare students for high school equivalency certificate coursework in the areas of mathematics, writing, reading, social studies and science. The program also focuses on improving students' potential for employment and developing computer knowledge and skills.
For more information, call 509-533-7221.
Career Transitions
Career Transitions is a short-term, non-credit program serving students who are looking into college or career opportunities. Topics offered within this program are collaborative in creating a space to explore and identify career pathways while building technology skills and positive habits of mind. All students are connected to internal and external resources including websites, SCC/SFCC programs, WorkSource, and SCC counselors to help encourage and support success. Once a student has completed the Career Transitions program, they will have increased their employability skills, and will be on track to continue their education or apply for employment. Core components of the program include MS Office applications, Business Writing, Business Math, and other technology-based programs.
For more information, visit scc.spokane.edu/Career-Transitions or call 509-533-7221.
College Prep
Course components include math and writing review, computer skills, study skills, research skills, campus tours and guest speakers. Classes are offered with open enrollment in the first weeks of the quarter. This class is a must for anyone interested in brushing up on skills for entering college. For more information, call 509-533-7221.
Correctional Education Programs
Classes operate at the Airway Heights Correction Center. A grant from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) enables the college to provide educational services for the Washington State Department of Corrections. The classes offered at Airway Heights Correction Center include Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Vocational/Technical Education programs to include Upholstery, CAD Drafting and Design, Aerospace Composites/CNC Machining, and Business Management Technology.
For more information, call 509-244-6897.
English As a Second Language (ESL)
From beginning literacy through advanced English as a second language, SCC offers what students need to meet Washington State’s six levels of competencies.
ESL is instruction for non-native English speakers. There are six levels of instruction and they are directly tied to competencies in listening, speaking, reading, writing and observing.
Job readiness, as well as retention and advancement in the workplace, are components of all ESL instruction. Computer literacy and ESL-specific software programs are a part of all curricula.
Students wishing to enroll in ESL must complete placement testing at the Adult Education Center before class assignments can be made. Students who have documentation of high school completion, as well as clearance from the Spokane K-12 system, may attend these classes.
For placement testing or more information, call 509-533-4671.
Workplace ESL assists students in improving vocabulary and writing in the workplace and is offered through online ESL classes.
For more information call 509-533-8522.
High School +
Students enrolled in the High School +(HS+) program may earn from one to three credits to complete graduation requirements for a Washington State diploma. Students must have met current OSPI standards on state assessment tests or state approved alternatives prior to enrolling in HS+; however, the culminating project and High School and Beyond Plan are included as part of the HS+ curriculum. Prior credits, military work and life experiences may be considered. Some qualifying criteria must be met prior to enrollment in the program. Students who are 17 through 18 years old will be accepted into the program only with an Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) written release from the high school of the school district where they reside.
For more information, visit scc.spokane.edu/Get-HS-Diploma or call 509-533-7221.
High School Diploma
An individual enrolled in the Running Start Program who satisfactorily completes an associate degree, including an associate in arts degree, associate in science degree, or associate in applied science degree, shall be awarded a high school diploma from the college upon written request.
In addition to Running Start students, an individual, twenty-one years or older, who enrolls in the college for the purpose of obtaining an associate degree and who satisfactorily completes an associate degree, including an associate in arts degree, associate in science degree, or associate in applied science degree, shall be awarded a high school diploma from the college upon submission of a High School degree application and payment of an application fee.
In compliance with RCW 28B.50.535 and 2007c 355 s2, a student must have been awarded a degree by either SCC or SFCC to petition for a Community Colleges of Spokane high school diploma.
For more information, call 509-279-6004.
High School Equivalency Certificate
Adults wishing to enroll in credit programs offered by community and technical colleges must have a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate. State community colleges automatically accept students who have passed the high school equivalency certificate exam. If you have a high school equivalency certificate, you may qualify to enroll in College Prep. College Prep is a program designed to help successfully transition students who attain a high school equivalency certificate to college level coursework.
High school equivalency certificate classes offer instruction to adult learners 19 years of age and older in the following areas: mathematics, science, social studies, writing skills, literature and the arts. Learners ages 16 through 18 may be admitted to the high school equivalency certificate program if they have an Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) release from the school district where they reside.
High school equivalency certificates are issued by the OSPI and represent an alternative educational achievement. In addition, school equivalency certificate students may have the opportunity to receive computer basics (computer literacy and keyboard training).
Community Colleges of Spokane also offers an online high school equivalency certificate program.
For more information, call 509-533-7221.
I-BEST Training
I-BEST (Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training) is a collaborative program that allows eligible adult students to complete adult education courses, such as high school equivalency certificate and ESL, at the same time they are enrolled in college-level technical education programs in high-demand fields such as Automotive, Medical/Legal Office, Professional Business Technology and Social Service Technician.
Individual tutoring for both high school equivalency certificate completion and ESL is available each day, as well as an opportunity to work on homework during a regularly scheduled "Study Lab."
Upon successful completion of the program, I-BEST graduates are eligible for entry-level specialist jobs; have new job-specific math, reading and communication skills; and may have completed or be close to completing a high school equivalency certificate or high school diploma. Students also earn college credits during the program, which can be applied to a one-year professional certificate or two-year associate in applied science degree at a community college. Financial aid may be available for students who qualify.
For more information, call 509-279-6226.
PACE Services
PACE Services (People Accessing Careers and Education) helps adults who have cognitive, physical, sensory or sensory disabilities to achieve employment and ongoing education. In addition to self-referral, individuals can be referred by Developmental Disabilities Administration, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, public school districts and other programs within the community colleges. Programs are designed to help individuals gain the knowledge and skills to achieve their goals through education, resource coordination and vocational support. Classes include Job Skills, Communication Skills, Life Skills, Sign Language, Life Dynamics, Reading, Creative Writing and Transitions. Classes are held at SFCC, Colville Center and the Lodge.
PACE is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities for the following employment services: community employment for job development, job-site training and job supports, and employment planning services.
For more information, call 509-279-6033.
READY Program
The READY program is employment based and designed for individuals with barriers to both academic achievement and productive employment. READY offers industry-specific training in Automotive Maintenance, and Child Care.
For more information, call 509-279-6033.
SEER Program
SEER (Supported Education and Employment Enhancing Rehabilitation) is a noncredit college-based supported education and employment program designed to assist individuals with psychiatric disabilities to pursue work, education and volunteerism as part of their recovery. The program offers classes for skill development as well as numerous support services to assist students while enrolled in SEER classes, credit classes or vocational services.
For more information, call 509-279-6055.
Transitions
PACE Services offers a wide range of noncredit classes and employment services for special education students 18 to 21 years of age to transition to a college environment. PACE Services works with the student, student’s family, and student’s high school to develop an individualized program. Modeled after the Running Start concept, this service allows the student to progress to a college environment while completing high school.
For more information, call 509-279-6033.