FREE SESSIONS SCHEDULED FOR WORKERS CONSIDERING ‘CHANGE’

FREE COLLEGE READINESS CLASSES START NOV. 9

Individuals planning – or thinking about planning – to start college in January will want to attend free College Readiness classes starting Nov. 9 at the Emmetsburg campus of Iowa Lakes Community College.

The sessions will provide 8 hours of Computer Basics and 4 hours of information sessions which educate potential students about financial aid and academic advising as well as familiarize attendees with the college campus.  In addition, Success Centers on all campuses will be open to assist entering students refresh their math, reading or writing skills.

“We are trying to provide all the information these students may need to get off ‘on the right foot’ for classes this spring,” said Julie Carlson, Dean of Students.  “These classes were developed following the successful launch of our Returning to Learning sessions.  The Success Center classes can be completed at any campus and on a schedule convenient to the new student who wants to be prepared appropriately for spring classes.”

College Readiness classes will be held on the Emmetsburg campus from Monday, Nov 9 through Thursday, Nov. 12.  All classes begin at 2 p.m. for the information sessions; and at 3 p.m. for the Computer Basics for College class. 

Those attending these free classes are to call 1-800-252-5664 or (712) 362-7231 to register or to ask any questions.  Ask for course #25938 when registering.  This class is open to adults over the age of 23 who are enrolled or enrolling in classes at Iowa Lakes beginning January 2010.

The college has already assisted numerous dislocated workers (as well as those in transition) with a variety of Community Education and credit programs.

General office hours at the college are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays.  The Emmetsburg campus is on the west side of Emmetsburg at 3200 College Dr. 

‘FIRST STEPS’ CAN BE TAKEN AT RETURNING TO LEARNING SESSION

Area residents who are looking for a new direction in their life may receive free tips on everything from potential careers and resume writing, all the way to skills training and even college classes at a Returning to Learning session planned at the Spencer campus of Iowa Lakes Community College later this month.

With the downturn in the economy, many have been laid off or had their hours reduced which has prompted them to consider other options for their future.  The Returning to Learning sessions offer a variety of assistance to those who may be in need of a career change or simply wish to further their education.

The session will be Saturday, Nov. 21 from 8:30-10:30 a.m.  The Spencer campus is located at 1900 N. Grand Ave. on the north side of Spencer.

In addition, all campuses of Iowa Lakes continue to offer services through the Success Center, the Career Resource Center and through general advising and counseling staff.  General office hours at the college are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays.

Those attending are encouraged to call Barb Grandstaff (ABE/GED Coordinator and Grants Specialist) in advance; however, no appointments are required.  Grandstaff can be reached at (712) 852-5232 or 1-800-242-5108 ext. 5232.