December 15, 2014 - 8:30pm
Vancouver Island University (VIU) will continue to offer tuition free Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs including English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at all campuses for the January - April 2015 semester. The Government of British Columbia recently announced changes to funding for ABE programs. In response, VIU will provide access to these programs under this new funding model.
“We recognize that ABE provides an important opportunity for students to upgrade their skills or acquire specific prerequisite courses for entrance into university and college programs or for the Adult Graduation Diploma,” said Jean Maltesen, Dean of Academic and Career Preparation. She noted that approximately 18-20 percent of all VIU degree graduates have taken at least one ABE course to achieve the needed success to enter university programs.
One of VIU’s key values is ensuring as many people as possible have access to the opportunities created by pursuing a post-secondary education. This commitment is demonstrated through many initiatives – most notably when VIU became the first university in BC to offer the Tuition Waiver for Youth in Care program. VIU is also taking the lead on supporting uptake of the Canada Learning Bond program in its regions.
“We recognize the important role access to these courses plays in supporting adult learners to pursue post-secondary education. Providing this access creates new and positive opportunities in the lives of these adult learners,” said Maltesen.
If you have any questions about ABE, including enrolling in ABE courses for the January 2015 semester, please call 250.740.6425.
Tags: In the Community
