Cypress College Announces First-of-Their-Kind ESL Milestone Certificates
Effective this fall, Cypress College will offer Guided Pathways ESL Milestone Certificates. These certificates are first of their kind in the California Community College system. There are nine certificates for different student pathways, and if you have taken GE courses, you may already qualify for at least three to four certificates, maybe more if you have already completed ESL 184 C, 185 C, and 186 C. You are eligible even if you started at the ESL 185 C or 186 C levels.
The priority deadline to apply is September 16, but you can apply now by seeing a counselor or going to the Cypress College Admissions & Records office. If you apply soon, you will be among the first students in the entire state of California to earn these certificates. The final deadline to apply for fall 2019 is September 27.
These certificates have been featured at the following:
- Public Policy Institute of California English as a Second Language in California’s Community Colleges
- ASCCC Curriculum Institute, July 2019
- CCCCO/ASCCC AB 705 ESL Subcommittee Workgroup
They will also be featured in the Strengthening Student Success conference, RP Group, October 2019, and potentially at the November 2019 Chancellor’s Office Vision Spotlight to the Board of Governors.
ESL students seeking these certificates must take ESL 184 C, 185 C, and/or 186 C, in addition to the courses in their major. For details, students should speak with a counselor or their ESL professor.
About the Certificates
The ESL Milestone Certificate program is designed to prepare English Language Learners (ELLs) for the academic rigor of degree-applicable coursework in various Guided Pathways Meta Majors. Students completing these certificates have achieved academic English reading and writing skills at an advanced, post-secondary level; they have also achieved success in prerequisite or introductory coursework in a variety of degree, certificate, or general education patterns. These two elements combine to demonstrate significant achievement of a milestone along their pathways to degrees, certificates, or transfer. To earn a certificate, complete the required courses as listed with a grade of C or better. At least 50% of all coursework must be completed at Cypress College.