East Side University Village Community Learning Center

Description

East Side University is one of only fourteen "special purpose schools" in Houston, Texas accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). East Side University was created in 1998 by the South East Houston Community Development Corporation (SEHCDC). The SEHCDC promotes the revitalization of the Third Ward community through the development of affordable housing, economic development initiatives, social services, and education serving low-to-moderate income adults and their families. East Side University was founded as a community based adult learning institution to bridge the digital divide by providing tuition-supported technical skills classes and access to information and resources needed to positively impact the cycle of generational poverty.

As a champion for literacy, East Side University serves approximately 100 adults and their families each year, providing a second-chance educational alternative to those who were previously living "on the edge" but desire a new found purpose and the skill set required to succeed as productive citizens. Class programming has evolved to include not only computer skills, English for non-native speakers, GED preparation, and Spanish, but also basic literacy (reading, writing, and math), citizenship exam preparation, parenting and nutrition, college and career preparation, and financial education.