“My mom had surgery almost three years ago on Mother’s Day. I spent three days with her in the hospital, and every single nurse there made us feel comfortable and safe. My goal is to be a nurse in a hospital caring for patients just like the nurses cared for my mom. But I need to improve my English language skills first. I started taking non-credit ESL (English as a Second Language) classes through Santa Rosa Junior College, and I have been studying hard to improve my English. I am now enrolled in credit English classes and look forward to applying for SRJC’s nursing program next year. Thanks to the John Jordan Foundation ESL scholarship, I will be able to help people when they need it the most.”
– Andrea R., John Jordan Foundation ESL Scholarship Recipient
At Santa Rosa Junior College, our English as a Second Language (ESL) program helps students like Andrea develop the essential language skills that are the foundation for academic and career success. Thanks to the support of the John Jordan Foundation ESL Scholarships, these students are opening doors to higher education and building better lives for their families.
Every day, nearly 3,000 students arrive at SRJC to learn English in one of the largest ESL programs in the California Community College system. An estimated 25 % of Sonoma County households primarily speak another language at home. The English language learners attending SRJC comprise a diverse population of resident immigrants, naturalized citizens, international students, and migrant and seasonal workers.
SRJC’s ESL program is designed to teach basic English skills to improve literacy and to advance students who wish to pursue an academic degree or certificate. Our caring faculty and staff are there to support and motivate students to achieve their dreams from day one all the way to completion. SRJC ESL students demonstrate discipline, motivation, inspiration, and most importantly, courage, as they seek more opportunities to thrive in our community.
Since 2017, 80 ESL students have received generous support from the John Jordan Foundation ESL Scholarship program to help them pursue their goals. Together, the John Jordan Foundation and SRJC’s ESL program help Sonoma County residents acquire English proficiency to increase their educational and career opportunities and secure paths for upward mobility and financial security for themselves and their families; they also engage in their community as productive and caring citizens.
