English-language classes prepare Iraqi immigrants for the workforce

Hayfa Dalali teaches an ESL class at Cuyamaca College

A pilot program for recent Iraqi immigrants that teaches English in the context of office work is being offered at Cuyamaca College through a partnership between the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District and San Diego County.

The “Working English” program is designed for Iraqi immigrants with limited English who want to improve their language skills so they can find office-related work. Twenty-eight students are participating in the first class sessions that began February 6 and will continue until mid-June. Two other classes are scheduled to begin in June and run through December.

Author, author

Cuyamaca College librarian Kari Wergeland has published her book, Voice Break.  Following the advice of a Lane Community College music instructor, Ms. Wergeland began taking individual voice lessons with a respected teacher at the age of 24. After roughly two years of study, with dubious results, she decided to stop singing.

She began working as a librarian and eventually turned to writing newspaper articles, fiction, and poetry. Twenty years later, and on something of a whim, Kari enrolled in a workshop called The Natural Singer with vocal coach Claude Stein. Inspired to resume voice lessons, she enrolled in classes at Grossmont College.

It wasn’t long before she discovered her singing had changed.  Kari Wergeland’s book, Voice Break, available in a paperback edition, delivers a poetic story of promise and wholeness. She is currently finishing up an MFA in creative writing at Pacific University.

A message from Chancellor Cindy L. Miles

Lots of questions -- and some answers

We always encourage our students to ask lots of questions and seek out new information. For the past few months, we in the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District have been asking questions about our role in the community, how well we are doing, and what the future holds for us. Some of the answers are starting to come in.

Economic Impact Report

It is well established that a college education is invaluable, so how do you put a price on our contributions to changing our students’ lives and enhancing the East County community?

A 50th anniversary celebration at Grossmont College April 13 and 14

 A 50-year anniversary doesn’t happen every day, so Grossmont College will celebrate its golden moment in history with a blowout weekend of free events for the community to enjoy April 13 and 14 at the El Cajon campus.
     Music lovers, foodies, dancers, amateur scientists, artists, CSI fans, poets, fitness and health devotees, theater lovers, techies, gamers, math whizzes – there’s something for everyone. So much so that visitors will want to come both days for the hands-on activities and demonstrations showcasing Grossmont’s incredible offerings and extensive learning opportunities.
      “Our faculty and staff are opening our doors and inviting local residents to take advantage of the incredible resources that are available in their backyard,” said Grossmont College President Sunny Cooke said. “We’re hosting a fun-filled, family-oriented festival that will appeal to the community like never before.”