Workplace and Community Education

The Workplace and Community Education Program provides customized instruction to meet the needs of Palm Beach County residents who need help improving their English language or reading skills or obtaining a GED. Classes are held at workplace or community organization sites throughout the county. The adult students, who attend classes once or twice a week, develop literacy skills to prepare them for enhanced employment opportunities and/or future education. Trained instructors, program coordination and materials are provided.

The program has affected employees and other adult learners in many different ways. One student who had low reading skills was going to be laid off because he could not pass the test to obtain his Commercial Driver’s License. After attending class for several months to improve his reading skills, he was able to pass the test, obtain his CDL license and keep his job.

Employers who partner with the Literacy Coalition for this invaluable program gain a more productive workforce, a safer work environment and employees who have increased communication skills with their supervisors and customers. Employees experience greater self esteem, improved morale and the ability to advance in their jobs.

In 2010 – 2011:

  • Participants gained skills primarily in reading, writing, math, GED preparation and English.
  • Four students received their GED or high school diploma and 18 more are awaiting their GED test results.
  • The program served 212 adult participants at 11 sites.

PROGRAM IMPACT

Maria Allicia Velassquez was born in El Salvador. She has worked in the housekeeping department of the Ritz-Carlton for several years. During this time she has only spoken Spanish to her supervisors, co-workers and the Human Resources staff.

Working life can be difficult if you are not able to communicate with the English speaking guests you are serving. Maria took advantage of the offer of Literacy Coalition English classes and became one of the 18 employees at the Ritz-Carlton to sign up for the class and graduate.

On the first day of class, Maria arrived not being able to speak any English. She was very shy and was having a hard time with pronunciation and was quite frustrated. But with great perseverance, attending almost every class and having a wonderful attitude as well as a sense of humor, things started to change. Maria went from being timid about speaking in class to wanting to speak all of the time. Her pronunciation began to improve. She was learning English and before you knew it, she was one of the most energized students in the class.

Recently as Maria’s teacher was walking down the hallway to her class, she was stopped by the housekeeping supervisor. She told the instructor that for several years Ms. Valessquez would only speak Spanish and now is speaking to her, co-workers and guests in English. One of the Human Resource Directors told the instructor that if you now try to speak to Maria in Spanish she will correct you and say, “Only English please!”



To speak with someone about starting a workplace program at your site, call (800) 273-1030 or email us today.