I-BEST

I-BEST is a nationally recognized program that supports students in literacy, work, and/or college-readiness skills to move further and faster through higher education and into living wage jobs. Through this program, students learn by doing. 

Students are supported by team-teaching where one instructor provides job or academic instruction and the other provides instruction in reading, writing, or math. As a result, students get the support they need while studying in the career of their choice. The program challenges the traditional pathway that requires a set sequence of prerequisite courses before students can begin working in their field or on their required certificates or degrees. 

Program Chair: Marie Brisette marie.brissette@bellevuecollege.edu 

Program Manager: Ted Mansfield ted.mansfield@bellevuecollege.edu 

  • Adults who are at least 16 years of age.
    • Students under 19 must be formally released from high school before registering for classes. Contact your local school district for release forms. 
  • Persons with Foreign Student Visas (J-1, F-1, M-1, B-1, or B-2) may not participate in publicly-funded education. International students should inquire with the Bellevue College English Language Institute. 
  • Students who place into ESL EFLs 5-6, ABE EFLs 3-6, English 72-93, Math 76-99.
  • Students with college and/or career goals. 

Bellevue College hosts a variety of I-BEST classroom support for professional-technical certificates and specific associate transfer degree courses. In addition, we partner with various community employers to support on-the-job training and workplace efficiency. 

Note: Some of these programs include credit-bearing courses and some programs include non-credit courses. It is important that students consider the impact of credit-bearing courses upon their student record with their Program Manager. 

Professional/Technical Certificates

  • Accounting Preparation Certification
  • Bookkeeping Certification
  • Business Analysis & Technology Project Support Certification
  • Business Analysis & Technology Project Coordinator Certification 
  • Certified Nursing Assistant
  • Family Childcare Management Certificate of Accomplishment
  • Medical Administrative Assistant
  • Network Support Technician Certificate of Completion
  • School Age Care Certificate of Accomplishment
  • State Initial Early Childhood Education Certificate of Completion
  • State Short Certificate of Specialization, Early Childhood
  • Technical Support Technician Certificate of Completion

Associate Transfer Degree Courses

  • ART 101
  • BIOL 108
  • BUS 101
  • CMST 250
  • CMST 280
  • ENGL&101
  • PSYCH 100
  • SOC 101

Community Employer Partnerships

  • Bellevue School District
  • Garlic Crush
  • HopeLink
  • Mary’s Place
  • Snoqualmie Casino

All eligible new students must attend an Orientation and Interview Session prior to the quarter start. Returning students are not required to attend an Orientation unless it has been three years since previous attendance; however, Interview Sessions are still required to ensure proper placement and Ed Plan. After Orientation and Interview, students work with a Program Navigator to develop an Ed Plan and are assigned a faculty advisor throughout their time at Bellevue College. 

All I-BEST programming abides by Bellevue College general policy and procedures. To continue in the I-BEST program, students must show Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as outlined by Bellevue College student policy. 

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Last Updated March 31, 2025