CBET-Off campus
The CBET program is funded by proposition 227 and offers beginning level English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to parents and community members throughout California who pledge to tutor school-age children. The Cañada College CBET program is a collaboration between the San Mateo Community College District (SMCCD), the Redwood City School District (RCSD), and Sequoia Union High School District (SUHSD).
The Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) Program is a new program within the CBET Program housed under the ESL Department at Cañada College. The VESL program provides language and computer skills classes for the workforce. The community-based VESL classes serve as a bridge to on-campus academic and career programs. Upon completing the VESL program, students receive the English for the Workforce Award. This program has been made possible in part from a grant by Silicon Valley Community Foundation.
For more information, please contact:
- Linda Haley, CBET/VESL Program Coordinator – haleyl@smccd.edu
- Diana Espinoza, CBET/VESL Staff Assistant - espinozaosunad@smccd.edu
Click here for the brochure: Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL)
What courses are offered?
CBET
ESL 800 Preparatory Course
Beginning-level English language study and practice in all skills (grammar, vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading, and writing) in preparation for ESL Level I courses. One year of previous English language study, ESL 807 (previously offered) or placement by College ESL Placement Test is recommended. Units do not apply toward AA/AS degree.
VESL
ESL 901 Language Skills for the Workforce (focus on Listening/Speaking/Reading) Equivalent to ESL 911 (previously ESL 831 and 861).
ESL 901 introduces students to high beginning integrated practice in reading, speaking and listening for the workforce. Special attention is paid to high beginning vocabulary and comprehension of original authentic readings and lectures.
ESL 921 Grammar and Writing I (focus on Vocational English) Equivalent to ESL 821 and 841.
ESL 921 introduces students to grammar and writing skills at the high-beginning level with a focus on language skills for the workforce. Special attention is paid to grammar terminology for the purpose of editing student writing. One by arrangement online lab hour per week is required.
Where and when are courses offered?
CBET/VESL courses are offered off-campus in the evenings at all sites *except for John Gill and Hoover, which hosts morning classes (9-11am) during the fall and spring semesters:
Redwood City Courses:
Hawes Elementary School
Hoover Elementary School*
John Gill Elementary School*
Taft Elementary School
East Palo Alto Courses:
Boys and Girls Club of East Palo Alto
What happens to students when they finish the CBET program?
CBET students usually study two or three semesters in the community-based CBET classes and then switch to campus to continue studying ESL and other careers. To date, over 400 CBET students have moved to campus to continue their studies.
CBET star graduate Lisbeth Mendoza poses with program coordinator Linda Haley after her initiation into Cañada’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Lisbeth continues her studies at Cañada College and is planning to transfer to U. C. Berkeley to pursue her engineering degree. (In the process of getting update on Lisbeth)
Who is eligible to participate in the CBET/VESL programs?
The CBET program is designed to serve parents and community members of the RCSD and SUHSD who pledge to tutor school age children once their English is proficient. Participants must be at least 18 years old and meet financial aid requirements for free tuition if they want to receive credit for the courses.
