The ELL Healthcare Pathways Grant was awarded to the consortia to support and provide ELL (English Language Learner) Adult students with Healthcare Career Exploration under an i-BEST/IET (co-teaching) model.
This specific model pairs ESL, Adult Basic Education, and professional-technical instructors to provide students with basic education and workforce skill training concurrently. The I-BEST/IET model provides a mechanism for accelerating the learning of ELL students while simultaneously preparing them for work and higher-wage positions contributing to California’s economy. This decreases the barriers ELL students face when accessing jobs, and responds to the increasing demand of healthcare workers and language access in our state.
The chart below outlines the collective’s ELL Healthcare Pathway Programs and staff roles responsible with moving the project forward and providing student services:
For more information about the ELL Healthcare Pathway Programs please visit the following pages:
Berkeley City College HUSV/CHW Program
Oakland Adult and Career Education
Abigail “Abi” Salazar (she/her), asalazar@peralta.edu
| How do I know if I’m an ELL Adult student? | An adult student, generally refers to someone who is older than the typical age range for traditional undergraduate students (usually 18-22) and is pursuing education, whether it’s a degree program or other form of learning. They often have different life experiences and circumstances than younger, traditional students.ELL stands for English Language Learner, and its used to identify students whose first language isn’t English. |
| Who is CAL Regional? | CAL Regional is a partner that provides our students with the Medical technical training specifically for the Phlebotomy & Medical Assistant Healthcare Pathways |
| What are the requirements to be eligible for the CAL Regional Referral? |
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| What do I do if my english level is not high enough for ESOL Healthcare Course, CHW courses, or Cal Regional Enrollment? | Don’t get discourage! We highly recommend you to take more ESL classes to improve your level of english, please contact the Student Personnel Services Specialist Abi Salazar: asalazar@peralta.edu to create an education plan. |
| What does the Community Health Worker Program at Berkeley City College entail? | Ideal for those entering the Human Services field or seeking a pay raise/promotion if already employed. This program builds foundational skills and prepares you for further academic study. |
| Is there an apprenticeship option available for the Community Health Worker program? | Earn while you learn! Our Community Health Worker Apprenticeship gets you into the workforce ASAP and weaves together relevant classroom experience, professional mentorship, and on-the-job training.You must attend an information session to apply to the Apprenticeship Program. Information Session registration will close on Friday, October 31st at midnight. For more information please visit: https://www.berkeleycitycollege.edu/social-work-human-services/apprenticeship |
| What are the requirements for the Berkeley City College, Community Health Worker Apprenticeship? | Must be an 18+ year old high school graduate with the ability to:
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| What does the EMR course at Merritt College entail? | The Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) class, is a 14-week course is ideal for native English speakers and intermediate/advanced English Language Learners. This course will resume in the Fall of 2027. |
| What does the referral to CAL Regional technical training include? | As of right now the CAL Regional referral only includes paying for the technical training instruction and not the books and supplies needed for the training. |
| Is there an expiration date by when I should use my CAL Regional Referral? | The referral should be available as long as the ELL Healthcare Pathways Grant is not over. Please contact Abi Salazar: asalazar@peralta.edu if you are unsure if the grant is still running. |
| Do I need a work permit to be able to do the CAL Regional Technical Training? | Students need a work permit or SSN in order to do the background check that CAL Regional requires and to get hired after finishing their technical training. |
| How do I connect to the different Healthcare Career Pathways? | For the following pathways please contact:
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| What is the role of the Student Services Personnel Specialist? | The role of the Student Services Personnel Specialist is a student-facing position that provides case management services to ELL Adult students who are enrolled in the consortia’s colleges/schools, and are interested in pursuing one of the Healthcare pathways. The specialist will work closely with students after they finish their intro courses, and provide guidance, access to resources, program activities and a network of support. |
| How do I validate my high school diploma/studies from my country of origin? | The Student Services Personnel Specialist will support the student to submit a evaluation request for their studies to be valid in the US. We use online evaluation services who are members of the NACES. This can be a lengthy process and should be done as soon as possible before starting the CAL Regional technical training. |
| What happens if I am not able to validate my foreign high school diploma? | If you are not able to validate your foreign high school diploma, we would suggest you enroll in GED classes, which is free! |
| How do I enroll in the Pathways? | ELL adult students need to submit a California Community College Application under the college that hosts the pathway they choose. Once they receive a student ID number from the application, they can head to the Admissions and Records department of the college to enroll as a Non-credit student in order not to be charged.
This process can get complicated, if the student needs support, please contact the Transition Liaisons of the respective college. For Oakland Adult and Career Education, you can register with them directly or when they hold their registration dates. |