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GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE

 

The following information has been gathered by Grand Rapids Community College. You will find program information and referrals for Adult Community Education, Social Service Agencies, Church Sponsored Classes, and Naturalization and Immigration information. Grand Rapids welcomes many new residents from different countries each year. There are many people in the community who work to make the transition to American life possible for new residents and visitors. We hope the information will be helpful. If anyone has any questions, comments, suggestions, or needs further information, please contact:

  • For program information contact English Department at (616) 234-3360.
  • For assistance in the GRCC admission process contact the Enrollment Center at
    (616) 234-4100.
  • For assistance with registration, contact the Counseling and Career Center at
    (616) 234-3900.
  • For information about financial aid, please call the Financial Aid Office at (616) 234-4030.

Special Note for International Students seeking student visas:

Unfortunately, at this time, the College does not admit international students who need student visas for the purpose of learning English. These students need to demonstrate English proficiency. For more information about International Student Admissions contact the Enrollment Center or you can download an International Student Application.


Students interested in international admission for the purpose of learning English can contact Western Michigan University or Davenport University for program information.


ESL Classes in the West Michigan Area  (REVISED 10/12/07)

Higher Education

DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY
6191 Kraft Ave.
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Contact Person: Mike Zhang, Director of International Enrollment and Programs
Email: mike.zhang@davenport.edu
Phone: (616) 554-5078

  • Classes offered:
         Beginning Reading
         Beginning Writing
         Beginning Speaking, Listening, Conversation
         Intermediate Reading
         Intermediate Writing
         Intermediate Speaking, Listening, Conversation
         Advanced Speaking, Listening, Conversation

  • Cost: contact Davenport for the most current rate per credit hour. Classes 4.5 credit hours.

GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
143 Bostwick NE
Grand Rapids, MI  49503
Contact: Counseling and Career Center
Phone: (616) 234-3900

  • Classes offered: four levels (beginning through advanced)
         Reading and Vocabulary
         Listening and Speaking
         Writing and Grammar

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GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Vandenberg Adult Education Center
409 Lafayette St
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Contact Person: Sarah Krontoft
Phone: (616) 819-3253

  • On site classes offered at local businesses; call Pat West for information at 819-2862
  • Next Registration: Call 819-3253 for registration dates. Generally, every 3 months
  • Age requirements: Must be 20 years or older. Those 18 and 19 must show proof of high school graduation
  • Cost: Free
  • Limited child care provided
  • Six levels of ESL instruction, Citizenship Classes, GED classes
  • Morning and evening classes
  • No summer available
  • Fall registration begins Sept. 5-7, 2006 and classes begin Sept. 11th

GODFREY LEE COMMUNITY EDUCATION
1530 Grandville Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Location: Corner of Clyde Park and Grandville
Contact Person: Thelma Meyer
Phone: (616) 241-5600

  • Classes: Beginning and Intermediate level available
  • Cost: Free
  • No age restrictions
  • No residency requirement
  • Free childcare, bus passes
  • Fall 2006 registration begins 2nd week of August, morning classes available
  • Call for a testing appointment
  • No summer available

GODWIN HEIGHTS COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Godwin Heights Learning Center
3333 S. Division
Wyoming, MI 49548
Contact Person: Jerry L. Emde
Phone: (616) 252-2042

  • Cost only for 20 yrs and older: $25 for adult students living in Godwin district; $50 for out of district
  • Age: 18 or older
  • Residency: No restrictions
  • Three levels of ESL available
  • Morning, afternoon and evening classes
  • Next registration date: Call for dates; currently there is a waiting list for this program
  • To register: Call (616) 252-2042 for appointment with academic advisor
  • Summer available (current students will be registered first)

GRAND HAVEN ADULT EDUCATION
106 South 6th St.
Grand Haven, MI 49417
Contact Person: Linda Ruiter
Phone: (616) 850-6880

  • ESL Classes
  • Individualized instruction
  • Age: 18 and older
  • Cost: Free
  • Registration Dates: Open enrollment; sessions begin in September and February but students can begin at any time
  • No summer available

GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOLS (K-12)
Contact Person: Robert Saenz
Phone: (616) 819-2129

  • Grand Rapids Public Schools has 20 language centers. There are four high school programs, four middle school programs, and twelve elementary school programs that offer English language classes. There are many bi-lingual and ESL programs to meet the needs of students.
  • For students in K-12, contact your local school for information about ESL classes.

KENT INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
2930 Knapp NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Contact Person: Lorna Brown
Phone: (616) 364-5122

  • Offers ESL classes to adult students enrolled in technical classes.
  • Cost: Students over 20 years old with a high school diploma $100.00 per semester. Free to non-high school graduates.
  • No summer classes available

KENT COUNTY LITERACY COUNCIL
111 Library St. NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Located in the Grand Rapids Public Library
Contact Person:  Angela Mayer, Adult Tutoring Program Coordinator
                                 or
                           Kristin Ekkens, Customized Workplace English Program Director
Phone: (616) 459-5151

  • Offers one-on-one tutoring or small group sessions
  • Encourages oral and written English proficiency
  • Designed for adults
  • Cost: free of charge with a minimum six-month commitment
  • Enrollment: call for an appointment

Also available: Customized Workplace English Program

For companies in West Michigan:

  • Fee based group classes on-site
  • Intensive Workplace ESL Program

For individuals:

  • Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced levels
  • For individuals who are employed or looking for employment
  • Workplace and Life Skills

Ottawa County Residents only:

  • Classes begin July 11-September 28
  • Cost: free Tuesday and Thursdays Level one: 6pm-8pm, Level two: 3:30-5:30pm
  • Location: 1830 172nd Ave. #G, Grand Haven, MI 49417
  • Call (616) 459-5151 ext. 14 for details (Se habla espanol ext. 12)

KENTWOOD COMMUNITY EDUCATION
28 60th SE
Kentwood, MI 49548
Contact Person: Alice Andre, ESL Coordinator
Phone: (616) 261-6166

  • Four levels available
  • Age: Must be 18 or older
  • No residency requirement; priority is given to Kentwood residents
  • Cost: Free
  • Students can come one to four nights; classes meet Monday through Thursday 4:30-8pm
  • To register call office (616) 261-6166 and set up appointment
  • No summer classes

SPARTA COMMUNITY EDUCATION
480 South State Street
Sparta, MI 49345
Contact Person: Mike O’Connor, Director
Phone: (616) 887-7321

  • Sparta has a large English instruction program for migrant workers, which is held during the summer months only.

WASHINGTON EDUCATION CENTER (HOLLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS)
156 W. 11th St.
Holland, MI 49423
Contact Person: Gary Miller
Phone: (616) 355-1808

  • Managed Enrollment
  • Students must have picture ID
  • Age: 20 and up
  • ESL Classes: 4 levels of English
  • Morning and evening classes
  • Cost: ESL - Free (GED testing: $25/test for all 5 tests)

WYOMING COMMUNITY EDUCATION
2950 Clyde Park SW
Wyoming, MI 49509
Contact Person: Tom Spaak
Phone: (616) 530-7505 (Student Services)

  • Two levels of ESL available (Beginning & Intermediate only)
  • Cost: $20 non-refundable registration fee
  • Students must be 20 years old.
  • Students who are 18 or 19 who have graduated from high school may attend free.
  • No childcare; No transportation
  • Evenings: Monday through Thursday 5:30-9:30pm
  • To enroll: Students must enroll in person to be tested
  • Registration Dates: Call (616) 530-7505 for dates

ZEELAND WEST OTTAWA HIGH SCHOOL
294 West Lakewood
Holland, MI 49424

Contact Person: Christina Quimby
Phone: (616) 494-8803
Email: cquimby@zps.org

  • Classes are held at Michigan Works! Job Connections - South, 121 Clover St., Holland, MI
  • Cost: Free
  • Class times: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 12:30pm
  • Students can join at anytime

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BETHANY CHRISTIAN SERVICES
Refugee Outreach Assistance and Referral Program
901 Eastern NE
P.O. Box 294
Grand Rapids, MI 49501-1294
Contact Person: Barb Foster
Phone:
(616) 224-7540

  • The Refugee Outreach Assistance and Referral program aims at the elimination of any barriers the refugees in need may have to accessing, receiving and maintaining low-income services. The program helps look and apply for services, outreaches needy refugees and advocates for them, and provides low-income related information to the refugee community and to organizations working with refugees.

P.A.R.A. (Programs Assisting Refugee Acculturation)
744 Burton SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Contact Person: Kara Hanson, Language Program Coordinator
Phone: (616) 247-9350

  • P.A.R.A. is a refugee resettlement agency.
  • Recruits local church congregations to sponsor refugee families
  • Assists in the resettlement process

LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES
2976 Ivanrest SW
Grandville, MI 49418
Contact Person: Linda Barr, Program Coordinator
                              or
                          Erica Spohr, VELT Coordinator
Phone: (616) 532-8286

  • Comprehensive employment services available including translation, on-the-job training, and job upgrade services. Refugees of all English speaking levels available for employment.
  • Serving all refugees and asylees for up to five years of being in the USA.
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) available as Vocational English Language Training Program (VELT) on employer site, community based, and agency based sites. No cost to the employer or refugees/asylee for these classes.
  • Intensive case management available for refugees needing specialized employment services.
  • Holds the prime contract for Refugee Employment Service for the State of Michigan.
  • Services free of charge. Not-for-profit agency.
  • ITP Route #8. Easy access from other bus routes.

GRAND RAPIDS URBAN LEAGUE
745 Eastern SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 245-2207
Contact Person: Dr.Walter Brame, Director
                              or
                          John Gussenbauer, Vice President of Programming

  • Provides help finding housing and employment

HISPANIC CENTER OF WESTERN MICHIGAN
730 Grandville SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Contact Person: Daisy Madrigal
Phone: (616) 742-0200

  • Work referrals
  • Translation and interpretation services
  • Referrals to other resources
  • Assistance in filling out forms and paperwork
  • Assistance with immigration
  • Domestic violence and housing issues
  • Youth program and tutoring age 13-19 years old
  • Food distribution

MICHIGAN WORKS - SHELDON COMPLEX
121
Franklin SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Contact Person: Jim Thiel
Phone: (616) 336-4040

  • Mid level classes focuses on work and employment language, conversation, pronunciation
  • Open enrollment held first Friday of every month
  • Classes continue all year round
  • Cost: Free
  • Approximately 10 week program
  • Students must have social security number to register
  • Workshops for interviewing, resume writing, and basic computer skills

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BETHEL ASSEMBLY OF GOD
832 Grandville Ave. SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Contact Person: John Vega, Pastor
Phone: (616) 245-3718

  • Tuesday and Thursday evenings 7-8:30pm
  • Six week sessions; three levels of ESL classes
  • Cost: books and supplies (approximately $25-30)
  • Child care is available for a fee
  • Large group setting
  • All Spanish speakers

CHURCH OF THE SERVANT
3835 Burton SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49508

Contact Person: Rick Eitman or Jill Frazee-Eitman
Phone: (616) 956-7611

  • Tuesday and Thursday evenings 6-8pm (no summer classes)
  • ESL certified instructor
  • Open to all (adults only)
  • Classes held at 3065 East Paris, Kentwood, MI
  • Call in August 2006 to inquire about fall registration

GRAND RAPIDS INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP
3765 Kalamazoo Ave. SE
Kentwood, MI 49508

Contact Person:
Phone: (616) 245-2151

  • Wednesday evening 6:30-8:00pm
  • No registration required
  • All class materials and instruction are provided free of charge
  • Free childcare
  • Classes available all year

KENTWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH
1200 60th St.
Kentwood, MI 49508

Contact Person: Nancy
Phone: (616) 455-0031

  • Tuesday evenings 7-9:00pm
  • Open registration
  • Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced levels
  • Class emphasis is on speaking and listening
  • All class materials and instruction are provided free of charge

LEONARD HEIGHTS BAPTIST CHURCH
1273 Lamont Ave. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Contact Person: Sandy Weber
Phone: (616) 456-7668

  • Classes every Sunday 11am-12:15pm
  • Three levels
  • Cost: Free
  • Material includes some Biblical references, but is not a bible study
  • Primarily Asian population

MARS HILL CHURCH
15 Andre SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Location: Health Intervention Services (near Burton & Division)
Contact Person: Rachel Schrotenboer
Phone: (616) 224-4060

  • Monday or Wednesday evenings 7-9pm; lesson is the same both nights; students are welcome to attend both nights
  • 8 week sessions
  • Cost: Free
  • All Spanish speakers

ROOSEVELT PARK COMMUNITY CRC
811 Chicago Dr. SW

Grand Rapids, MI 49509

Contact Person: Lisa DeYoung
Phone: (616) 243-5875

  • Tuesdays & Thursday evenings 7:30-8:30pm
  • Beginning & Intermediate level
  • New students may join anytime; no advance registration required
  • 6 week sessions
  • Cost: $12 for a picture dictionary
  • Summer session: Tuesdays only 5:30-7:30pm

STEEPLETOWN CENTER
671 Davis Ave. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Contact Person: Sr. Carmen Rostar
Phone: (616) 454-4874 or (616) 451-4215

  • Monday or Wednesday 10-11:30am; Tuesday or Thursday 7-8:30pm
  • There is a wait list for evening times
  • All levels; learners are assessed and lesson plans made according to level
  • Priority given to those living in the NW side, zip code 49504
  • Call anytime to be added to wait list

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Naturalization and Immigration

CONGRESSMAN VERN EHLERS
110 Michigan NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Contact Person: Nancy Ostapowicz (handles immigration matters)
Phone number: (616) 451-8383
 

U.S. GOVERNMENT IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICE
333 Mt. Elliott
Detroit, MI 48207
Phone number: (313) 568-6012
TOLL FREE NUMBER: 1-800-375-5283
WEB SITE: www.ins.usdoj.gov

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