ENGLISH CLASSES
English classes are a core component of EYC’s educational outreach as better vocational jobs require a basic-to-advanced proficiency in English. However, Cambodian public schools only offer English for two hours per week starting in middle school, and the only time the majority of EYC students speak English is at our schools.
We teach over 50 English classes daily, Monday through Friday, serving roughly 750 students ranging from 8 to 21 years old.
With the help of key partners, including LiteracyPlanet, we are continually improving our curriculum, incorporating phonics, and using technology and educational games in the classroom to improve students’ English proficiency and build basic technology skills.
Without the free English education provided by EYC, good jobs or higher education would not be an option for many of our students.
STEM Classes
Given Cambodia’s constantly growing tech sector, STEM education has become one of the most important services we provide to our students. In order to keep up with the blossoming tech sector, which offers stable jobs to more and more Cambodians each day, EYC has greatly expanded our STEM program in the last few years with the help of international volunteer engineers and coders.
Our core program consisted of classes that taught students the basics – Excel, Word, Photoshop. Now, EYC has expanded our offering to include coding classes using Scratch, a block-based, visual programming language developed by MIT, robotics classes using Lego Spike, and an express course, which introduces students to coding basics. We are also in the process of rolling out an advanced coding class using the Arduino circuit board and programming language.
EYC is proud to offer these STEM learning opportunities to over 250 students each week, providing them with the experience necessary to thrive in the labor market once finished with their studies.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Many of our students either have to drop out of high school to help support their families or cannot afford the cost of additional schooling. Approximately 15% of our high school and university students (40-50 per year) receive scholarship assistance from EYC.
The scholarship program supports these young people to pursue the higher education needed to reach their dreams and become role models for other youth in their schools and communities.
To be eligible, students must demonstrate they are leaders and potential change-makers for their school, family, community, and nation. Scholarship students also volunteer at EYC by managing various aspects of the programming for the younger students, thereby promoting the culture of giving back.
High School Scholarships:
- To offer tutoring in mathematics and science as many public schools do not provide adequate teaching to pass the national state exam necessary for university entry.
- To provide income offsets to replace the loss of family income when a student resumes their schooling.
- To cover private high school tuition – the education provided at private high schools far exceeds that of the state schools and opens doors to a more secure and viable future.
University Scholarships:
- To help the students transition to the challenges and rigor of university life, we provide the highest level of support during the first year of university. Financial assistance decreases every year, and older students are encouraged to get part-time jobs and contribute to their tuition costs. We also provide advanced English tutoring as needed.
Room & Board Scholarships:
- To provide housing to students who have no home or are from the provinces where there are few schools. Two to five students live at each EYC school rent-free, which provides them with safety and security while they work to better their lives through education.
JOB TRAINING & PLACEMENT
Due to the fact that most of our students do not have family members or mentors with interviewing experience or expertise in job preparedness, they are often at a disadvantage when they go to apply for a job.
Along with providing connections for internships and part-time job placement, the basic interviewing skills and resumé-developing opportunities we offer are critical for our students. In addition, EYC develops partnerships with businesses to place students in volunteer, intern, and full-time positions.