Trexler Grant Supports LCCC’s ESL to Paraprofessional Pathway

Schnecksville, Pa., Oct. 8, 2024 – Lehigh Carbon Community College has received a $75,000 grant from the Harry C. Trexler Trust to support a pathway for English language learners to enter the education field and fill critical employment gaps in Lehigh County schools.

The “Community to the Classroom” program will support ESL students in a three-semester program that blends English language coursework with introductory Teacher Education courses. Up to 10 students, including those in the Dual Enrollment high school program, will participate in the cohort, receiving academic support, participation in a focused study lab and access to laptop computers to facilitate completing their coursework both at home and on campus. ESL students will receive up to a $1,000 scholarship per semester, plus $500 per semester for books.

The goal is for these students, upon graduation from the paraprofessional education program, to then enter the workforce at schools across Lehigh County and to continue their education by earning an associate degree, with special focus on programs in Education, Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Instructional paraprofessional positions assist with classroom instructional delivery and work in both the regular and special education classrooms. To be eligible, applicants for these positions must either pass a paraprofessional test or have completed their associate degree.

For ESL students who pass their paraprofessional test and become employed at the Allentown School district, the district will help cover the cost of their tuition to finish their associate degree. In addition, the LCCC Teacher Education Department’s Professional Development Grant will cover the cost of tuition for early childhood educators who work 25 hours or more each week.

LCCC works with school districts throughout its service area to funnel prepared paraprofessionals into open positions. Students are already in the pipeline to enter positions through the Allentown School District.

For more information on the Community to the Classroom program, contact Elizabeth Shope in the LCCC Teacher Education program, EShope@lccc.edu, or ESL advisor Nisreen Aldaghmah, naldaghmah@lccc.edu.