From English Classes to a College Degree: One CLC Student's Journey to Higher Education

In honor of National Higher Education month, we're spotlighting the Community Learning Center (CLC)'s Bridge to College Program. The free program prepares adult learners to transition to college and succeed in college-level courses. It also supports students in applying to bachelor's degree, associate degree, or certificate programs at colleges or universities. Students earn college credits while completing the Bridge to College program. 

Luis David Urbina Henriquez graduated from the Bridge to College Program in 2019. His journey with the CLC began three years earlier, when he moved to Cambridge from El Salvador and started taking English classes through the CLC’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program.  After completing the ESOL program, he applied to Bridge to College, where he continued to improve his study skills, access education advisor services, and earn college credits.

Bridge to College provided a foundation for Luis to continue pursuing his education and career goals. "When I graduated from the Bridge to College program, I continued to take classes at night at Bunker Hill Community College. In 2020, I transferred to [a 4-year-college] to finish earning my bachelor’s degree,” explains Luis. He graduated with a BA in Accounting and Finance and plans to study for his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. His education will prepare him to work as a project manager for his family’s landscaping company.

“I am beyond grateful to the CLC for giving me the opportunity to learn English and prepare for college," says Luis. 

Interested in learning more about the Bridge to College program? Visit www.cambridgema.gov/BridgeToCollege or sign up to be notified of future information sessions. 

Photo: Luis (center) at the CLC with his CLC adviser Joseph (right) and brother Felipe (left)