Virtual education helps local parents learn alongside students

By Molly Waldron

CREATED Dec. 11, 2012

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  • Parents with students at Walter V. Long Elementary are getting help finding work thanks to a new program. Video by ktnv.com

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 Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Parents with students at Walter V. Long Elementary are getting help finding work thanks to a new program.

The online education program was brought to the school thanks to the Caesars Foundation and Vegas PBS' help.

The school was chosen because it is considered at-risk. The program was chosen because it allows parents to learn right alongside their children.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for a lot of our parents," said principal Dr. Joyce Brooks.

The first initiative of its kind in the U.S., the program focuses on improving the community through a unique public television and private business collaboration.

"This means the world to our parents and our students," Dr. Brooks said. "Our community has suffered like everyone else during this whole economic crisis, so now to have the opportunity to get jobs here and have the training here at the school site is awesome." 

The program offers English as a second language, general education courses and more than 300 occupational certificate training programs.

"For me it's amazing because I'm not depending on other people, said Marsol Martinez. "I do my thing and if I can do it, anyone can do it." 

Martinez is currently in the program, and it has helped her with her job and citizenship application.

The school is providing parents with access to their computer lab so they can take courses online. Virtual tutors and teachers are available to help parents as well.