September 7, 2005
Purdue Extension, IHETS to provide learning opportunities for Latinos
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Learning centers in Marion, Daviess, Noble and Clinton counties will offer educational courses in Spanish designed to assist the state's growing Latino population in developing better job, social and computer skills.
Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, Indiana Higher Education Telecommunication Systems (IHETS), the Mexican Consulate of Indianapolis and the Monterrey Institute of Technology have joined together through a $167,000 grant from the Indiana Rural Development Council (IRDC) to develop this educational program.
"Purdue Extension is designed to help meet people's needs," said Sam Cordes, Purdue assistant director for Extension. "In recent years, the number of Spanish-speaking people in Indiana has increased significantly, and Purdue Extension has a special opportunity and responsibility with our partners to reach out to these new residents in our communities."
The learning centers will offer a variety of classes, ranging from elementary education to high school equivalency courses. Additional courses in computers, business, agriculture, family and health will be offered via the Internet. Students also can receive a certificate upon completion for one of six different courses. College credit can be earned through advanced courses that will transfer back to Monterrey Tech in Mexico.
All courses are taught in Spanish to better equip the learners.
"Many Latinos need to master Spanish literacy before they can move into English language offerings," Cordes said. "It is often the case that Latinos attain skills and competencies more readily if initially taught in Spanish."
Materials, books and use of computers are provided at no cost. Registration requires only basic information, and no additional documentation is needed. Courses are now being offered in Marion County. Courses will be offered in Noble and Clinton counties starting later this month. Course offerings will begin later this fall in Daviess County.
IHETS is providing technical assistance and online tutors for each of the learning centers.
"IHETS has supported the learning centers across the state in a variety of ways since 1994," said Dave King, IHETS executive director. "When we saw the opportunity to bring these very high quality Spanish language programs, it seemed logical to work with a partner like Purdue Extension to help make it a reality."
For more information regarding the individual learning centers, contact the program coordinators: Cynthia Douglas in Clinton County at (765) 659-6380; Deanna Stromback in Noble County at (260) 636-7011; and Deborah Graves in Marion County (Walker Career Center) at (317) 532-6408. The Daviess County position is yet to be filled, but those interested can call (812) 254-8668.
The programs are designed to meet the cultural as well as educational needs of Latino learners.
"Family is very important to the Latino population, and we need to be flexible with their education," said Douglas, Clinton County Learning Center Latino coordinator. "The coordinators will stress the importance of education and how it will help them later on in life."
Purdue Extension has a long history of assisting Indiana counties in offering continuing education programs for adults. Noble and Clinton counties have established learning centers that are already catering to the English-speaking population in their counties. Daviess County is establishing a new learning center that will serve both English- and Spanish-speaking residents through community partnerships and support from Purdue Extension.
"Extension likes to collaborate with other institutions and organizations. We feel fortunate to be able to be working with IHETS, Monterrey Tech and the Mexican Consulate in Indianapolis," Cordes said. "Programs like this have been successful in states like California that have had a large Latino population for a long time. However, much of what we are trying to do is relatively new to the Midwest."
The four learning centers have created advisory boards. The coordinators will assist with recruiting, registering, organizing of volunteers and assisting students in their studies. There will be local celebrations for the new Latino program later in September.
Writer: Natalie Federer, 765-494-8406, nfederer@purdue.edu
Sources: Kelli Selby, 765-494-9831, cameronselby@purdue.edu
Sam Cordes, 765- 494-3573, smcordes@purdue.edu
Dave King, (317) 263-8920; dking@ihets.org
Learning Network of Clinton County - (765) 659-6380
LEAP of Noble County - (260) 636-7011
Purdue Extension, Daviess County - (812) 254-8668
Walker Career Center, Warren Township - (317) 532-6408
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page
Note to Journalists: Contact information for local coordinators is contained in this release. A Spanish version of this news release is also available by contacting Beth Forbes at (765) 494-2722, forbes@purdue.edu.
Purdue Agriculture News Page 3
To the News Service home page