ESL class demand grows, as do waiting lists - North Carolina

“Immigrants — especially Latinos — are signing up for English classes faster than institutions can provide them, sparking waiting lists nationwide.

The number of students taking English as a Second Language classes statewide jumped 60 percent in the past 10 years. Almost 30,000 students now are enrolled in North Carolina, and the majority are Latino. Community colleges are seeing the increased need and adding new classes.

“It is our fastest-growing program,” said Randy Whitfield, associate vice president of basic skills for the N.C. Community College System.”

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