Workplace and Community Education

The Workplace and Community Education Program provides customized instruction for adults who need help improving their English language skills, obtaining a GED, or addressing specific workplace needs. Classes are provided at workplace and community sites throughout Palm Beach County by trained adult education instructors. Classes are tailored to meet the needs of each particular site and the skill level of the students. The adult learners develop literacy skills to prepare them for enhanced employment opportunities and/or future education.

 

Community Impact

  • 47 adult students participated in classes at 5 sites throughout the county.
    • Frenchman’s Creek Country Club (Workplace-specific English).
    • City of West Palm Beach (GED and Workplace-specific needs).
    • Faith Farm Ministries (GED).
    • Royal Palm Place Apartments — Pine Ridge Holistic Living Center (ESOL).
    • SBA Communications (Workplace-specific needs).
  • 100%  of students demonstrated skill development in their primary area of study.
  • 100% of students passed their workplace licensure exams.

Testimonials

Astrid, Elvia and Lisbeth at Frenchmen’s Creek Country Club.

hen Lisbeth, who works in housekeeping at Frenchman’s Creek Beach and Country Club, found out that they offered on-site English classes to employees at no charge through the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, she was thrilled and signed up right away. Originally from Venezuela, she had been so busy doing her job at the club and establishing a life in the U.S. for herself and her son, that she did not have time to find English classes outside of work. She encouraged her co-worker Elvia, originally from Guatemala, to join the beginning-level class too. They shared the same goal: to be able to speak to club members in English.
Lisbeth and Elvia made noteworthy progress. In only a few months, their managers in the fitness center began noticing how each had been using English more often when speaking with members. Lisbeth and Elvia explained that practicing in class had given them more confidence to talk with members (“Good Morning,” “Have a nice evening/weekend”), as well as use workplace vocabulary (“Here are your towels”).
Advanced-level student, Astrid, a hospitality college graduate from Peru who is in the United States on a two-year specialty work Visa, returned for a second season of English classes at Frenchman’s Creek in order to expand her professional vocabulary. With goals in international hotel management in mind, she learned key career words she could use to clearly communicate her skill set on her resume and in job interviews.
When advanced and basic level students came together, Astrid became a role model for Lisbeth and Elvia as she demonstrated the possibilities of learning English. Occasional translating on-the-spot reinforced Astrid’s English skills and resulted in an unexpected boost in confidence.
The Literacy Coalition has provided seasonal English classes at Frenchman’s Creek Country Club since November of 2008. Students regularly express their appreciation for workplace-specific, customized classes.