College to Honor Program Participants
Participants in the Greater Avenues for Independence program at Valley College will be honored at a reception Thursday morning.
About 65 women receiving public assistance for themselves and their children will be given special certificates for participating in the county-funded program, which includes English, high school equivalency and basic education courses for adults.
Since spring, the students in the GAIN program have attended classes for half a day Mondays through Thursdays. When not in class, most have worked part-time jobs around campus.
“People come here for further education so they can have success,” said Patricia Castillo, a program assistant and graduate of GAIN. “Most of them will leave here placed in permanent jobs, or if not, they will be on the right track.”
She added that while the current enrollment is all female, the program is open to any parent receiving public assistance.
The theme to Thursday’s reception is “Hope, Wisdom and Character,” a phrase taken from a GAIN student’s letter to a prospective employer.
Valley College President Tyree Wieder will be among several speakers. Entertainment and refreshments are also planned.
The reception is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Music Recital Hall. The campus is at 5800 Fulton Ave. Anyone wanting more information may call (818) 781-1200, Ext. 242.
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