The Developmental Education department at Bellevue College recently awarded Literacy Partners Awards of Excellence to two local employers for going out of their way to help working students succeed.

The Safeway store at Evergreen Village in Bellevue (1645 140th Ave. NE) is covering the cost of tuition for Bellevue College student Eldin Juzvin. After completing a certificate in Retail Management, Juzvin hopes to earn a degree in Business Administration.

Managers at the Marshalls store at Overlake Fashion Plaza in Redmond (2150 148th Ave. NE), the second winner, encouraged student Elena Semaykina to take English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and created a work schedule that allows for regular attendance.

“In these difficult economic times, many students face challenges in juggling work, school and family obligations,” said Program Chair Tom Graham. “The instructors here at Bellevue College have found that some of the most successful working students have supportive and understanding employers, like Safeway and Marshalls.”

Bellevue College’s Developmental Education department offers classes in English as a Second Language, Adult Basic Education (reading, writing and math), GED preparation, and workplace readiness.