Afternoon College Begins Its Second Year

One year after its inception, an expanded “Afternoon College” program--which enables high school seniors to get college credit in several disciplines--held its first day of classes Tuesday at Valley College.

Organizers expect about 500 students from a dozen Valley high schools to sign up for courses in areas including math, computers, reading and business. Courses in electronics and child growth and development are new this year.

The program started as a partnership involving only two Burbank high schools, Cal State Northridge and Valley College. It offers participants free tuition, school supplies, textbooks, parking, tutoring and campus tours as preparation for academic success in college, said Shannon Stack, the college’s director of media services.

“We have students from all levels,” said Synthia Saltoun, head of the counseling department and an organizer of Afternoon College. “Some are dropouts in high school and others have passed Advanced Placement classes and are headed to the UC system.

“At first we were tentative about how it was going to work out. But it’s been really wonderful, a real educational experience for everyone.”

Students can apply credit to high school, junior college or most four-year colleges. Tuesday’s lineup features Algebra Review, Small Group Communication, Computer Skills and Electronics. Wednesday’s classes are College/Career Planning, Computer Skills and Introduction to Business. Reading/Writing Skills and Child Growth and Development follow on Thursdays.

All classes run from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

For more information, call (818) 781-1200, Ext. 246.