Student Success
New Library and Tutoring Space at Beltline Center
RALEIGH, N.C. (April 24, 2024) – Wake Tech students now have a library and tutoring center at the college's Beltline Education Center (BEC) to aid in their success.
Thanks to a $100,000 State Library of North Carolina grant, the college has transformed Room 223B into a welcoming and inviting library and Individualized Learning Center ensuring all students have equitable access to resources and services. Students can acquire digital and print resources, get a range of free professional tutoring services, participate in workshops and simply study quietly in the new space.
A team of representatives from Workforce Continuing Education (WCE) and academic support departments collaborated over the past year to bring the project to fruition. They celebrated the new student support resource alongside Wake Tech leadership and students on April 24 during a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
While the space is open to all Wake Tech students, it is particularly significant for WCE students in Career and College Readiness (CCR) programs who are learning how to improve basic reading, writing and math skills, speak English, complete their high education or prepare to transition to college or enter the workforce.
These students often have the highest academic and social support needs at the college and face transformational learning barriers like fear of failure, not seeing themselves at college or in careers, and the emotional upheaval of redefining themselves. Offering library and tutoring support on site makes it more convenient and less intimidating for students at the BEC to seek assistance while they attend classes.
"We are so excited to offer students at the Beltline Education Center access to library and tutoring services,” said Dr. Carenado Davis, dean of Academic Support and Learning Resources. "Up until now, these services have been very limited for BEC students, and they had to travel long distances to other campus locations, which was also a barrier preventing them from accessing support. The addition of these resources, combined with the encouragement from staff working here on site, are really life-changing and will help build a sense of belonging for our students."
CCR student Ming Zhang moved from China about 7 years ago. Her native language is Mandarin, and she says her English is improving every day thanks to the tutoring support she's receiving at the BEC.
"The tutors here are very nice, patient and always answer my questions," she said. "Before I came here, I made a lot of mistakes. The tutors explain things very clearly to me, so I understand. Now, I'm more confident speaking English. I hope to continue to improve my English-speaking skills, earn my high school equivalency diploma and enroll in a Wake Tech health care program in the future."
In-person tutoring is available Tuesday through Thursday. Learn more about the schedule and how to make an appointment at ilc.waketech.edu.
