EP140: Getting to Know the EAP program at Reading Area Community College — A 2024 Example of Excelencia

In The Margins

Created in 2005 by Excelencia in Education, Examples of Excelencia is a national initiative that identifies and promotes evidence-based practices improving Latinx student success in higher education. This year, the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program at Reading Area Community College (RACC) was chosen as the Example of Excelencia at the associate level.

In this episode we are joined by Eleisha Moreno, associate professor and coordinator; and Crystal Schilthuis, full-time faculty member at RACC.

Tune is as they, along with Diverse host Ralph Newell, discuss the significance of the EAP program, its impact on Latinx students, and their leadership roles in fostering an inclusive learning environment focused on helping students develop skills for academic success.

The 2024 Examples of Excelencia recognized at the baccalaureate, graduate and community-based level are also being featured on In The Margins this year.

KEY POINTS:

- RACC is named the 2024 Example of Excelencia at the associate level for its English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program.

- Over 60% of Reading, PA population is Hispanic/Latino; 50% speak a language other than English.

- How Moreno and Schilthuis found their passion in teaching ESL/EAP students.

- How the EAP program streamlined, improving success in English composition and general education.

- EAP focuses on academic skills, not just language acquisition, which is distinct from traditional ESL

- Challenges in destigmatizing EAP as well as improving communication of its benefits to faculty and students.

QUOTABLES:

"Our classes are considered prerequisites for a lot of 100-level courses, but there are some classes that students can take to fulfill electives or maybe other general education requirements while they're in our classes." – Eleisha Moreno

“Our academic literacy and language center [are] the big things that we do. There are also other things that we do, not necessarily for advanced students, but we offer a free conversation group. Our budget allows for that…more open to the community; and maybe, our students' friends and family members." – Crystal Schilthuis

GUEST RESOURCES:

Eleisha Moreno

Crystal Schilthuis

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Closed captioning and a live show transcription are available in the video for this episode.

In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).