BCPS Partners With CCBC To Offer Free American Sign Language Courses

BALTIMORE COUNTY - Baltimore County Public School's (BCPS) Office of World Languages has announced a partnership with the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) to provide access to American Sign Language (ASL) courses.

This initiative, aimed at broadening the scope of non-verbal communication, enables students to earn high school and college credits by enrolling in ASL Level 1 and 2 courses at CCBC.

ASL, a unique avenue for non-verbal communication, can significantly contribute to students' spatial awareness, memory, and motor skills.

"We are enthusiastic about this collaboration and the career possibilities it will offer our BCPS students to increase their cultural understanding and communication skills," Jennifer Hernandez, BCPS director of World Languages and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), said.

High school students who participate will earn both high school and college credits through ASL Level 1 and 2 courses at CCBC. There's even an option for students to further their learning post-high school in CCBC's ASL and Interpreter Preparation Program, where they can delve deeper into the expressive and receptive use of ASL and the necessary technical skills to interpret and transliterate.

This collaborative initiative between BCPS and CCBC is part of the BCPS/CCBC Tuition Free Program, allowing high school students to take unlimited CCBC courses during their high school years. The program covers all costs, including tuition, fees, and books, with students only responsible for supply costs.

Furthermore, BCPS students enrolled in this early college access program will have the chance to observe on-site, participate in service learning, attend deaf-related community activities, and benefit from guest lectures and lab assignments. By embracing this opportunity, students will obtain a jumpstart on their college education, save time and money, and have the potential to earn credits toward a CCBC associate's degree or a continuing education certificate or credential.

To learn more about the ASL program at CCBC, visit the ASL & Interpreter Preparation webpage.

For more information about the BCPS Tuition Free Program, see here.

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