With the economic, social, and cultural demands of today’s society, many individuals are required to engage in life-long learning. The Department of Outreach Services is designed to ensure the college delivers on its primary mission to serve as a comprehensive community college providing access, instruction, and support services to improve the quality of life for all residents in its service area.
Outreach Services involve the extension of Northeast Texas Community College education and services to a culturally-diverse population of people in the various communities served by the college. Through these extension services, opportunities are created for both education and training. Some include dual credit options for high school completion and preparation for college; credit courses designed for transfer to a four-year college or university; specialized training to adults in the community who need literacy or skill development; and help in learning the English Language for assimilation into the community. This department advances the teaching/learning process by embracing quality and striving for excellence in all of its programs, services and centers which include the following: Adult Basic Education/ Literacy (ABE), General Education Development (GED) Preparation, Basic Skills Development, Afterschool Centers on Education (ACE), Communities in Schools (CIS), Upward Bound, the Hanson- Sewell Center, Naples-Omaha Center, and the Community Resource Center. For more information, please call 903-434-8148.
The Hanson-Sewell Center
The Northeast Texas Community College Hanson-Sewell Center located in Pittsburg on 237 College Street was constructed on land donated by Billy Paul and Annie Ruth Sewell Hanson. The facility operates as a One-Stop Center designed to meet the needs of current and future students.
A variety of services are offered at the Center from credit courses like American History and English to continuing education courses such as dance, computer, and other leisure-learning opportunities. Other programs offered are the Fast-Track Hybrid classes that allow students to complete course work in only 5 weeks. Students seeking a Bachelor’s degree can also benefit from courses offered at the center. Additionally, adult education programs such as English as a Second Language and General Education Development (GED) preparation are housed at the center.
Students services offered at the center are assistance with registration, student advising, placement testing, and financial aid. Wireless internet and print service allows students to utilize the center as a place to work on outside assignments.
The building includes five classrooms, one of which is a computer lab and distance learning facility. The conference room can also be used as a small classroom or for tutorials. The building is also designed to accommodate community meetings and events. Two of the classrooms and the commercial grade kitchen can be used for community banquets and dinners or can be used by area businesses for professional meetings. Contact the Hanson-Sewell Center at 903-434-8393.
Communities In Schools
Communities In Schools (CIS) is the nation’s leading community-based organization helping kids succeed in school and prepare for life. CIS of Northeast Texas was founded and located on the Northeast Texas Community College campus in 1989. Since that time, CIS of Northeast Texas has been partnering with families, schools and community leaders to create a support system for students in the public school setting. By utilizing a committed field staff, CIS of Northeast Texas has worked to customize their program according to the various needs of the twelve school districts and 26 campuses they serve. Driven by a unique philosophy, CIS of Northeast Texas believes that every child needs and deserves:
- a personal, one-on-one relationship with a caring adult;
- a safe place to learn and grow;
- a healthy start and a healthy future;
- a marketable skill to use upon graduation, and
- a chance to give back to peers and community.
Working in partnership with principals, superintendents, teachers, and administrators, CIS of Northeast Texas serves more than 2,500 case-managed students each year, increasing graduation rate and stay-in-school rates, increasing attendance, and improving academic performance and student behavior. In addition to providing a wide array of services designed to help children and youth succeed in school, CIS also provides unique programs and projects targeting special populations and addressing specific community needs. For more information, please call 903-434-8212.
Upward Bound
Upward Bound is a program funded by the Department of Education which assists qualified students in gaining the skills and motivation necessary to make successful academic progress in high school and prepare for and enter into college. The program includes an academic year component and a summer residential component. During the academic year, coordinators and tutors meet with students regularly to assist them in improving their academic and study skills, developing career plans, identifying and applying to colleges and applying for financial aid. In addition, there are opportunities for personal growth with services such as academic advising, mentoring, cultural events, social activities, and leadership activities.
During the summer, students will reside in the dorms at Northeast Texas Community College for a five-week period. During this time they will learn more about college life as well as enhance their academic and social development. Some of the planned activities include academic classes, study time, organized recreation, field trips, group meetings, and social activities.
Upward Bound begins at the time of the student’s selection and continues through high school graduation or the end of the Bridge Program, which is during the summer after graduation. There is no cost to participate in the Upward Bound Program. For more information, please call 903-434-8221.
Adult Basic Education
Adult Basic Education classes are for students ages 17 or older who have not completed high school. These classes are designed to upgrade basic skills in reading, writing, and math. An individual program of study is designed for each student. ABE classes are held throughout the college service delivery area. Those students age 17 must have proof of withdrawal from the last high school attended. A 12-hour new student orientation is provided, which includes goal setting and a base-line assessment. For information, please call 903-434-8252.
GED Preparation
Utilizing self-paced instruction with a focus on basic education and workforce readiness training, the General Educational Development (GED) preparation program provides students with the opportunity to prepare for the GED tests. Classes are designed to upgrade basic skills in reading, writing, math, social studies, and science. With degreed instructors to assist students in their studies, participants feel secure and confident as they prepare for and take the GED tests. GED classes are held throughout the college service delivery area. Various class schedules are available. Those students age 17 must have proof of withdrawal from the last high school attended. A 12-hour new student orientation is provided, which includes goal setting and a base-line assessment. For information, please call 903-434-8252.
English As A Second Language (ESL)
English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction is provided to persons who speak little or no English. Students are taught listening comprehension and speaking skills as well as reading comprehension and writing. All applicants with limited English skills are base-line assessed prior to beginning classes. The ESL curriculum is divided in six proficiency levels including Beginning Literacy ESL, Low and High Beginning, Low and High Intermediate and Advanced ESL. A 12-hour new student orientation is provided, which includes goal setting and a baseline assessment. For more information, please call 903-434-8252.
Additional Adult Education Programs
The college has acquired several grants to develop special projects to address the educational needs of special student populations. These programs include Workplace Literacy and Family Literacy. For more information please call 903-434-8252.
Community Resource Center
The Community Resource Center is a partnership between the college and Mt. Pleasant Independent School District (MPISD). The Center is located at 105 N. Riddle, Mount Pleasant, Texas 75455, (903) 434-8340. The Community Resource Center houses the college’s Adult Basic Education (ABE) Program and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The ABE Program provides the following services: 1) Adult Basic Education and GED preparation, 2) English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, 3) tutoring, 4) testing for the Texas Workforce Center, 5) on-line GED instruction, and 6) computer-assisted instruction. The SBDC helps aspiring entrepreneurs to start new businesses and provides existing businesses with the education, information and tools necessary to successfully reach their goals. The college also rents available space to non-profit organizations or groups. Interested persons may contact the Center Manager at the above address or telephone number.
Off-Campus Instruction And Support Services
Northeast Texas Community College offers a variety of college courses and programs designed to meet the needs of the students across the Northeast service delivery area. College credit courses are available through off-campus locations at Ore City High School, Winnsboro High School, Mount Vernon High School, Mount Pleasant High School, Pittsburg High School, Como-Pickton High School, Hughes Springs High School, Harmony High School, Naples/Omaha Education Center, and Mount Pleasant Child Development Center. An Adult Literacy Program is available to students at the following locations: the Franklin County Library at Mount Vernon; and the Pittsburg/Camp County Public Library at Pittsburg.
Culinary Arts School
The Culinary Arts School facility, located in historic downtown Pittsburg, was acquired by Northeast and opened in the Fall of 2008. This beautiful facility, which has approximately 5,000 square feet, houses the new Julia Truitt Culinary Arts program and includes a commercial-grade kitchen, ample restaurant facilities with tables and seating for approximately 150 people, a classroom, and student lounge area. In addition to its primary use as an instructional facility, the beautifully remodeled Culinary Arts School can accommodate community meetings, banquets, or can be used by area businesses for professional meetings when available. The contact number for the Culinary Arts School is 903-856-7000.
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