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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.
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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.
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ESL Classes in the West Michigan Area (REVISED 10/12/07)
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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
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Classes offered: Beginning Reading Beginning Writing Beginning Speaking, Listening, Conversation Intermediate Reading Intermediate Writing Intermediate Speaking, Listening, Conversation Advanced Speaking, Listening, Conversation
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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.
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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
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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)
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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
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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.
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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)
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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