Edmonds CC launches Spanish website to engage Latino community

Edmonds Community College has launched a Spanish site for prospective Latino students.

The site offers information on admissions, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, and pre-college programs.

“Our Latino community is the fastest growing demographic in Snohomish County and here at the college,” said Danielle Carnes, executive director for Strategic Enrollment Management. “It is important for us to recognize and serve this growing community through translating some of our materials, reaching out to families, and offering a welcoming campus environment.”

Latinos made up about 14 percent of the Edmonds CC 2015 fall quarter student body, and that number is expected to grow as Snohomish County’s Latino population rises.

According to the Pew Research Center, the Latino population accounts for about 9.8 percent of Snohomish County’s population, and has more than doubled in the county since 2000. Continued growth is expected through 2060.

Carnes said the percentage of Latino students in the county’s K-12 schools is even higher, and Edmonds CC is reaching out to the Latino community to prepare its next generation of college students.

The college hosted its first Latino Open House in April, with campus tours and information in Spanish, dinner, and live music from the Edmonds CC Salsa Band.

Edmonds CC Latino Outreach Specialist Betty Koteles said the event had over 200 attendees and was a great success.

Koteles has been invited to speak at local high schools for Latino Parents Nights and visited several Latino organizations on behalf of the college.

“The response has been amazing,” she said. “They like the fact that someone can help them in their own language. I have had many requests to visit more schools, to help prospective students, and translate for different departments.”

Koteles said outreach to the Latino community fulfills an important part of the college’s mission by strengthening the community and helping Latino students access educational and career opportunities.