The Bridges Program for non-native speakers.

ARE YOU READY FOR A CHALLENGE?

Is speaking or writing in English difficult for you? Do you dream of a college education or a new job, but your English skills are holding you back? If so, then Kilian Community College has a program for you! The Bridges program was designed for people with dreams like yours. This challenging program will help you improve your ability to read, speak, listen and write American English in this 2-year, 4 level program. You will also receive computer training and academic vocabulary as part of your class work.  This higher-level college preparation program is offered exclusively at Kilian Community College.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Bridges program is designed for adults whose first language is not English. The classes further develop the grammar, reading, speaking, listening, computer, and vocabulary skills you’ll need to do well in college. These classes are a step above high school but not quite as difficult as college. The classes build on each other, easing you into college-level skills. You will study with others who have skills and goals similar to yours. Your class will be no bigger than 20 people, and you will get the attention you need from the instructor.

If you are ready to take the next step and aren’t afraid of a challenge, then the Bridges program at Kilian Community College is ready for you!

PROGRAM POLICIES

Potential students will need the following:
· Some English as a Second Language (ESL) training.
· A score of 2 or above on the ESL COMPASS Test (test available at Kilian).

There is no fee to apply for the Bridges program.  The student's first ESL COMPASS assessment fee is $25.00.  Students who choose or need to re-test will be charged a $25 fee to re-test all three test sections, or $10.00 per indvidual test section. There is a 1-month waiting period after each test session.  Testing appointments must be made with the Administrator.  No walk-ins allowed. 

The class fee for each semester is $100.00.  There is a one-time book fee of $300.00.  All fees are non-refundable.

Classes may begin in the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer Semesters. Classes meet 3 days per week for a weekly total of 8 hours of instruction.  Bridges program classes are not offered for college credit.

As a Bridges program student, you will be studying with other adults from around the world. Here are just some of the places represented in our past classes:

WHAT IF I AM NOT READY FOR BRIDGES?

If your assessment scores show you are not ready for Bridges, there are several study centers in Sioux Falls for students who need to study to gain basic skills with English.  These study centers include Lutheran Social Services - 339-4601, Multi Cultural Center - 367-7400, Sioux Falls Area Literacy Council - 332-2665, Volunteers of America-Dakotas - 367-4293, Southeast Technical Institute - 367-4467, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church (Spanish speakers) - 274-3735.

For more information on Bridges and how to get started contact the Administrator at 605-221-3113.

The Bridges Program is supported by generous charitable gifts from the following:

· Sioux Empire United Way - Agency Partner
· Citi Foundation

*Please note that all information presented here is subject to change without notice.