Highline Community College is making it easier for English-as-a-Second-Language students to pursue a college degree or certificate.

The Transition Referral & Resource Center provides advising services to help upper-level ESL students transition to college-level courses. The center also connects students to financial aid opportunities and other services on campus.

“We are making college easier for students to navigate and breaking down barriers,” said Steve Washburn, the director of Highline’s Adult Basic Education (ABE) program.

Since opening in fall 2008, more than 550 students have received help from the center.

Twenty of these students have completed a college certificate in one of Highline’s I-BEST programs. I-BEST programs train students to work in specific professions while improving their English language skills.

Student George Tene credits the center for getting him on the right path to earning a college certificate in an I-BEST program.

Tene moved to the U.S. from Cameroon in 2005. He started taking ESL courses at Highline about a year ago and within a few months he saw a significant improvement in his English language skills.

He decided he wanted to continue his education, so he visited the Transition Referral & Resource Center. He received help on how to navigate the college system and he is now pursuing a certificate in I-BEST’s Customer Service Specialist program.

“I’m trying for a better future,” Tene said. “The center helped me with my career and is helping make my dreams come true.”

For more information about the Transition Referral & Resource Center, call 206-878-3710, ext. 3484, or visit http://flightline.highline.edu/transitioncenter/.

For more information about the I-BEST program, visit http://flightline.highline.edu/cg/ibest.html.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read.