Bellevue College (formerly Bellevue Community College) offers an Associate Degree in Occupational and Life Skills (OLS). The course of study prepares students to become self-determined, responsible citizens. OLS-Venture graduates are ready to engage their skills, abilities and passions in the workplace and life.

OLS-Venture students :

• Desire to further their education through college courses and be part of a unique college community experience.
• Have graduated from high school or have a certificate of completion.
• Satisfy admission requirements which are in place to maintain academic integrity and student success.

 

"In OLS-Venture, I learned how to be a self-advocate, independent, and well prepared person. It gave me an opportunity for job search and to know what I want in life." --Kevin

OLS-Venture Vision

At OLS-Venture we strive to provide a robust educational program that promotes empowerment and self-discovery through academics, life experiences and career development. We maintain a transparent environment with accountability and clear boundaries to facilitate focus on diversity and individuality.  We envision students developing into independent, contributing citizens in the community and the workforce.

Learning for Life and Livelihood

OLS-Venture students gain the knowledge and skills they need for success.

• Critical thinking and community awareness through the study of science, writing, history, social issues, citizenship, media, the environment and learning strategies.
• Job readiness through study of problem-solving, customer service, computer skills, office procedures, career options and job-seeking techniques, reinforced with internships.
• Interpersonal skills and self-sufficiency through study of relationship-building, conflict management, communication and self-advocacy at and outside of the workplace, nutrition, health, fitness and personal finance.

OLS-Venture focuses on three key areas:

• College-level courses with small class sizes and extended class time.
• Functional social and life skills taught in courses including communication, personal health, relationships and sexuality.
• Career pathway development and employment goals.

 

Is OLS-Venture Right for Me?

• OLS-Venture students demonstrate reading, writing and math skills ranging from fourth-grade level and above and have an IQ of 70 or above.
• OLS-Venture students have a high school diploma or certificate of completion.
• The OLS-Venture faculty team uses teaching techniques that address the whole student and target varying learning styles.
• Classes are small, content is relevant to the student, and learning is reinforced through lecture, discussion, repetition, teamwork and practical experiences.
• Students receive direct and meaningful feedback on their performance through an alternative assessment system. Performance indicators detail student progress in the areas of self management, self determination, and teamwork as well as mastery of course content.

 

"Since I started going to OLS-Venture, I've grown more as a person and student. In the past I've made some bad decisions that had to do with school. OLS-Venture is a way for me to make up those mistakes. I am now investing in my learning." --Brian

Application Procedures

There is a formal admission procedure for entry into OLS-Venture. Applications are carefully evaluated to determine whether OLS-Venture is a good match for each individual student.

Want to know more?

To find out more about opportunities to visit OLS-Venture, the admissions process, or to acquire an application packet, contact us at ols-venture@bellevuecollege.edu or (425) 564-2844.

 

Bellevue College reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran. Please visit http://www.bellevuecollege.edu/equal.asp.

This site was last updated on 6/16/09.