Bergen Community College
 
 
Master CalendarDistance LearningFrequently Asked QuestionsDirections
About Bergen Admissions Academics Library Continuing Education Student Services WebAdvisor



Who's Who at The Ciarco Learning Center



American Pronunciation



ESL Program and Courses



Let's Talk!



ESL and Civics Education Program



GED Program and Courses



Workforce Learning Link Program



Registration and Payment Information



Scholarships



Employment and Volunteer Opportunities



Hours of Operation/Directions



Frequently Asked Questions



FLEXIBLE START PROGRAM



Links with Business and Industry



Services and Resources Summary

Printer Friendly Version Site Map 
Home > About Bergen > Bergen At a Glance > Our Locations > Ciarco Learning Center

About the Ciarco Learning Center
The Philip Ciarco Learning Center was founded by Bergen Community College in 1970 to provide educational and counseling services for adults who have not completed a formal high school education and for adults who are interested in English as a Second Language. Since then, thousands of adults have enrolled at the Center and many have gone on to college and other post-secondary training.

A Spacious Facility
The Center was originally housed at 295 Main Street in Hackensack. A few years ago, the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders recognized Bergen Community College's vital role in providing for the growing educational needs of the County, and decided to provide funding to renovate a county-owned building which would accommodate the increasing numbers of adult learners attending classes at the Learning Center.

The renovated facility - the former Arnold Constable Department Store on Main Street and Passaic Street - was opened on October 14, 1999, with a gala ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Center was renamed the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center, in honor of the father of Philip J. Ciarco, a member of the Bergen Community College Foundation, the fundraising arm of the College.

Kathleen and Philip Ciarco wanted to make a lasting tribute to the life of Mr. Ciarco's father, who left school to work at the age of 13, and so they pledged a generous bequest of $500,000 to support an endowed scholarship fund to enable deserving students to receive the education that Mr. Ciarco's father never had the opportunity to receive.

Kathleen Ciarco is a graduate of the College's Early Childhood Education program.

The Ciarco Learning Center offers day and evening courses in English as a Second Language, High School Equivalency, and English Basic skills, as well as  courses at other locations.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Mission of Bergen Community College in Hackensack, Philip Ciarco Jr., Learning Center is:

  • To provide quality programs and services to adults seeking high school equivalency education or English as a Second Language (ESL);
  • To offer academic and counseling support to adult students transitioning from GED or ESL programs into BCC degree or certificate programs;
  • To act as an extension of Bergen Community College by offering credit courses that provide accessibility, flexibility and convenient options to our student body;
  • To be an integral and responsive member of the community. 
 
  •  
  •   Class Cancellations Employment Contact Us Site Map
    © 2010 Bergen Community College
    400 Paramus Road, Paramus, New Jersey 07652 - 201-447-7100