Education

SOUTHWEST COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE FOR THE DEAF

The primary purpose of SouthWest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf (SWCID), located at 3200 Ave. C in Big Spring, Texas, is to provide a comprehensive educational environment that will assist deaf students in achieving their educational and career objectives. SWCID offers courses in developmental/preparatory studies, college transfer programs, and vocational/technical training while seeking to add state of the art learning environments and technologies. Hearing individuals preparing for vocations in deafness-related fields may also pursue their educational and career objectives at SWCID. The interpreter training program remains popular among those who are choosing to work in the deaf community. Additionally, professionals employed in the field of deafness are provided opportunities to upgrade their skills/knowledge through workshops and seminars sponsored by SWCID.

SWCID offers students several educational programming options such as self-contained classes offered on the SWCID campus by instructors skilled in the use of sign language and communication modalities, mainstreamed classes offered on the Howard College-Big Spring campus facilitated through the use of skilled sign language interpreters, a combination of self-contained and mainstreamed course work with some classes being taken on both campuses; and, educational outreach provided through extension courses in Big Spring and in other communities.

The SWCID campus sits on approximately 57 acres at the site of the historical Webb Air Force Base of Big Spring. The campus includes an administration/classroom complex, the Burke-Mehen Residence complex (housing 92 students in dormitories and 18 students in apartments), the Maddux Student Center (offering a cafeteria, game room, auditorium, and meeting rooms for student events and activities), as well as the activity center with a gymnasium, a racquetball court and a weight room.