Education and Training Center
2013 ETC Lead Sponsor
MEND’s Education & Training Center (ETC) provides a wide range of classes, tutoring, enrichment programs, and computer training. In 2012, the center enrolled more than 567 adult students and 80 children in first through eighth grades.
Classes in English as a Second Language (ESL) run in three 14-week sessions a year. Four ESL class levels are offered in the morning and the evening on Tuesday through Thursday and in the morning on Friday. At the end of each session included in the culminating activities are awards and certificates for attendance, leadership, and achievement.
MEND also offers a variety of arts classes. Sewing class, offered from Tuesday to Friday, teaches students to operate a sewing machine and to cut, sew and complete a wide range of projects. A Wednesday handicraft class teaches students how to make projects that they can potentially sell on their own. Other classes are LEAMOS and GED PREP CLASS.
MEND’s Computer Lab provides four levels of computer classes for adults in three 15-week sessions. All students practice keyboarding and basic Microsoft Word and Excel functions, internet access, and e-mail. Level 2-4 covers more advanced functions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Students may be assisted in developing a résumé and doing on-line job searches. Due to an extensive waiting list, students are only allowed to repeat a course once.
MEND youth services include a homework club and individual tutoring. The Saturday Academy focuses on math, reading, science, and computer skills. Enrichment activities include recreational activities, service in the community garden, and educational field trips.
Holistic Approach
MEND believes in empowering our clients through education. Literacy classes for immigrant adults help those who do not read or write in their native language. Once these students have mastered literacy fundamentals, they can move on to ESL classes. ESL students also have the opportunity to take basic computer classes.
Pathways to Self-Reliance
Computer classes are available for those who are unemployed or underemployed but already speak English. In our after-school program, all students are assessed and individual plans are made for each. Progress is reflected in improved grades on their report cards.
Powered By Volunteers
All teachers and tutors in the Education & Training Center are volunteers trained and supported by a professional staff. During 2012, ETC volunteers contributed over 10,157 hours of service.
ETC Partners
Universal Studios Hollywood presented the Education and Training Center with it’s largest grant to date in December 2012
The Education and Training Center is grateful for the assistance of the following organizations:
- Centro Latino for Literacy
- CSUN Applied Linguistics Department
- El Nido FamilySource Center
- Goodwill Job Placement Service
- Humboldt University
- University of Phoenix
- UCLA Service Learning
- Universal Studios Hollywood’s Discover a Star Foundation
Computer Lab
- Chrysalis
- El Nido FamilySource Center
- Volunteer Match
