Welcome to Skyline College

What College Can Give YouAdvanced English Skills (academic and business language)

Certificates and DegreesEducation better jobA model for your kids

ESL at Skyline CollegeESL at Skyline is called ESOL – English for Speakers of Other Languages◦5 levels of classes◦ESOL computer lab◦Day & Evening classes◦Academic (college)

English◦Workplace English

ESL at Skyline CollegeMore than 70% of

Skyline College students speak more than one language◦We like our diversity!◦Second-language speakers are supported and treated well here.

About CollegeCollege classes are measured in units. Math 111 3.0 unitsPhys 210 4.0 unitsBiol 410 5.0 unitsEsol 840 6.0 units

Most 3-unit classes are 3 hours per week. Most 4-unit classes are 4 hours per week, etc.

• A counselor helps you get the right classes for the right number of units.

Certificates

About College – Certificate vs. Degree

Certificated programs are usually shorter in length and typically focus on preparing students for entry level positions in a specific occupation or area of employment.

A certificate can take 6 months to 2 years, depending on your schedule.

Associates Degrees

About College – Certificate vs. Degree

Associate Degrees are awarded by Skyline College after the completion of 60 units.

Requirements include completion of general education requirements, major, and if applicable, additional elective courses.

An Associate Degree can take anywhere from 2 years to 4 years, depending on your schedule.

The Pyramid of U.S. Education

The system of education is different in the U.S. than it is in other countries◦Handout: Levels of American

education• Do you have a degree from your country? • Get your transcript

from your university• Get it translated and

evaluated

About CollegeCollege classes are different from

adult school classes.◦ College classes are for credit. Adult school classes are not for

credit. Credit means

the class is a college-level class the class can be part of a degree you may receive a grade for the class: A, B, C, D, or F

◦ You must attend 90% of college classes. You cannot miss more than 2 weeks out of 18. If you miss more than 2 weeks, you can be dropped from the

class, or you won’t be allowed to get a grade.

◦ You will get a lot of homework every day you have class, so you have to find time to study outside of class. For every hour of class per week, expect 1 hour of homework. We have a library and a learning center for you!

About CollegeCollege classes are different from

adult school classes.◦ You have to pay for classes. You pay per unit.

Each class costs $36 per unit. 3.0 units = $108 There are also other college fees (health care

center, etc.) You can get Financial Aid (government $$) to

pay for college.

You must buy your own books. You can get help to pay for books! Many teachers put books in the library for you

to borrow if you cannot afford them. Skyline also has a textbook rental program!

How do I pay for college?In the U.S., education is expensive.

Most students ask for money for school. This is called financial aid.◦Government grants (don’t pay back)◦Scholarships and awards (don’t pay back)◦Government loans (must pay back)

Money is available for college!◦You must apply to get it◦The English Language Institute (ELI) can help

you apply…come in and ask!

AB540 (in California high school for 3 years)Some visa-holders (F-1, H1B, etc.)Permanent Residents (Green Card or Citizen)

◦ In California 1 year + 1 day = regular fees◦ In California less than 1 year + 1 day = out-of-

state fees (higher) We can find ways to help you pay for college We have services to help you with books, child care,

etc.

Undocumented (no green card, no visa, etc.)◦ You will pay out-of-state resident fees◦ Non California Resident Fee: $199.00 per unit +

$26 enrollment fee

Who can go to college?

SparkPoint Center - Skyline College

SparkPoint

Center

English Language Institute

Financial Services

and Coaching

Jobs and Careers

Food Pantry

The English Language Institute

◦Counseling for ESL students explains the 5 levels of ESOL

classes helps you register for classes answers your questions helps you find money for college

SparkPoint

English Language Institute

Financial Services

and Coaching

Jobs and Careers

Food Pantry

The English Language Institute

◦Workplace ESOL classes ESL for the Workplace ESL for Child Care Providers (coming soon) ESL for Health Care

SparkPoint

English Language Institute

Financial Services

and Coaching

Jobs and Careers

Food Pantry

The English Language Institute

◦Workshops Careers at Skyline College How to transfer to a university How to apply for financial aid How to write your resume Conversation skills Workplace skills

SparkPoint

English Language Institute

Financial Services

and Coaching

Jobs and Careers

Food Pantry

Financial Services & Coaching

◦Lower your debt and increase your credit score

◦Improve your savings◦Get help opening a bank account◦Learn to budget your money

SparkPoint

English Language Institute

Financial Services

and Coaching

Jobs and Careers

Food Pantry

Jobs and Careers• Get started on a path to a career• Apply to Career/Technical Education

programs• Earn a certificate or a degree• Learn how to interview and write a

resume

SparkPoint

English Language Institute

Financial Services

and Coaching

Jobs and Careers

Food Pantry

Food Pantry• Families and individuals who need

food can get it. You do not need to be a student.

• Open 3 days a week by appointment

• We can provide immediate food

SparkPoint

English Language Institute

Financial Services

and Coaching

Jobs and Careers

Food Pantry

ELI Helps ESL Students!

SparkPoint

Center

English Language Institute

Financial Services

and Coaching

Jobs and Careers

Food Pantry

Questions?