EUGENE, Ore. — College-readiness looks at the ability of a prospective student to succeed in higher education. Among the challenges of recovering from the pandemic are recent high school graduates feeling overwhelmed by more education and working adults not sure they are ready to dust off what they learned more than a decade ago. So what happens when a person isn’t quite ready for the rigors of the college classroom? At Lane Community College that is where the Division of College and Career Foundations comes in to help.
According to Division Dean Anna Gates Tapia, “In 2022, Lane saw about 950 students enroll in foundational courses in reading, writing, math, effective learning, and ESL, all of which prepare students for college program entry. Not all of those students necessarily start out with college as their goal, but many do and many also realize that college is a possible next step after they've been with our programs.”
Adult Basic and Secondary Education classes at Lane Community College are designed to offer solutions to students based on their needs. Students who have not yet earned a high school diploma or GED will find classes to prepare for that exam. Students who need to brush up on skills will study math, reading, writing, and student success principles. Students learn how to successfully navigate the college system, explore career/degree options, practice time/self-management, while completing coursework aligned to credit level programs.
Many students self-assess and decide to take classes based on their own needs. Whether a person needs support to develop basic skills or needs to just dust off what they already know, we have a pathway to college for everyone. Students can start at the beginning of each term, or enroll in the JumpStart course that allows students to begin at mid-term time and will provide them with a solid foundation to begin on their educational journey.
Classes are offered both online and in person. Currently non-credit, in-person classes are offered at the Mary Spilde Downtown Center on W. 10th Ave. and credit courses are held at both the downtown center and on LCC’s Main Campus on 30thAve. Costs vary depending on the student’s pathway. Non-credit courses are free with a $27 transportation fee. English Language Learners may pay $25-72 for courses in English as a Second Language. Students taking credit classes will pay according to the current tuition and fee schedule.
“LCC's staff and faculty are highly trained and compassionate professionals who understand the many challenges adults face in coming back to school and of recent high school students who may have had barriers and challenges in the high school curriculum,” said Gates Tapia. “LCC also offers state-of-the art facilities, and a support network for students to be able to achieve their goals.”
Those interested should call ahead for an appointment at 541-463-5214 or visit www.lanecc.edu/abse. Drop in office hours run Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mary Spilde Downtown Center at 101 W. 10th Ave. in Eugene.
Lane Community College educates over 25,000 students annually at six locations across Lane County and online. Students and alumni from all 50 states and 79 countries create more than an $850 million dollar impact on the local economy, helping to support more than 13,000 local jobs. Lane provides affordable, quality, professional technical and college transfer programs; business development and employee training; academic, language and life skills development; and lifelong personal development and enrichment courses.