CBC announces new Accelerated Learning Academy

Coastal Bend College’s (CBC) latest addition to its vast course offerings is its new Accelerated Learning Academy (ALA). The ALA aims to increase the number of courses offered during non-traditional class times such as weekends and evenings. Furthermore, Wintermester and Maymester courses, offered in December and May respectively, can help students complete a course in between traditional 16-week college and university semesters.

The ALA courses are offered at an accelerated pace—students can complete courses in as few as four, eight, or 10 weeks. Courses are presented in a hybrid format that includes participating in both face-to-face and online (Internet) instruction.

ALA Coordinator Laura Yeck is excited about how these course offerings are helping increase access to higher education for students at CBC’s Beeville, Alice, Kingsville, and Pleasanton locations.

“CBC realizes that there is a demand for courses to be offered outside of the usual 8-5 p.m., 16-week course structure. ALA students still have access to the myriad of free student support services offered at the college such as free tutoring, a dedicated faculty advisor, and career development resources. Overall, we hope the ALA helps increase graduation rates and student success.”

ALA courses are financial aid eligible to those who qualify, and courses are offered year round with rolling admission.

“With the new ALA, students don’t have to wait for the next long semester to start a class. We offer courses starting every 6-8 weeks and students can register up until the first class day,” Yeck said.

The ALA is part of the Project OASIS grant at CBC. Project OASIS is a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) grant focusing on increasing the number of Hispanics and low income students obtaining degrees in STEM fields. For more information about the ALA, contact Laura Yeck at (361) 354-2570 or via email at layeck@coastalbend.edu. Registration for traditional fall classes is happening from now until August 29.