English-based classes for non-native speakers to be offered in Opelika

Last summer, Dr. Changhoon Jung’s wife and two children had to drive from Auburn to Montgomery every weekday to attend an English as a second language program for Koreans.

That’s when Jung got an idea: Why not have a similar program in Opelika?

Less than a year later, his idea became a reality thanks, in part, to funding from the city of Opelika and a grant from the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority secured by city officials.

“We try to help fund something that adds to economic development in a community,” said Anne Grady, Alabama Municipal Electric Authority economic development representative and former Opelika City Council member and president.

Wednesday, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller presented Jung two checks for $5,000 each for the Auburn-Opelika Summer School for non-native speakers.

“I think this is a very important community project,” said Jung, an Auburn University professor and director for the Auburn-Opelika Summer School.

The summer program is geared toward local non-English speaking students, particularly Koreans, in kindergarten through 12th grades and their mothers. The six-week program begins Monday and will be held at Jeter Primary School.

The Auburn-Opelika Summer School will provide English reading, speaking and writing sessions, Scholastic Aptitude Test preparation classes, as well as science-based field trips for students. For parents, the program will include sessions in English conversation and parenting skills.

Classes will be held from 9 to 11:50 a.m. Monday through Thursday, with student field trips held every Friday, including a visit to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville.

Ideally, the summer school program will become self-sufficient and be offered every year, said Jung.

“Our long-term goal is to institutionalize,” he said.

City officials look at the program as an investment not only in students’ and adults’ educations, but also in the overseas-based corporations locating to the Opelika area.

“I think it’s just another example of our efforts in creating an environment where international companies, especially Korean-based companies, can thrive and prosper in Opelika,” Opelika Economic Development Director Al Cook said.

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