Students in the ESOL2 class pose during the break.
Betsy V., from Puerto Rico, completed the ESOL2
class at Centro Latino, and has continued her English
studies at Bunker Hill. She is an avid writer, and her
English poetry was published in the Four Winds
Journal, a collection of students’ creative work.
Here Betsy presents one of her poems at Centro’s
Hispanic Heritage event.
Centro Latino is a founding member of the Chelsea Adult Learning Partnership. This collaboration provides a comprehensive continuum of high quality English for Speakers of Other Languages and Adult Basic Education services free of charge for adults who need English language skills and/or adults with academic skill levels below 12th grade.
Classes offered include Spanish Language Literacy, English for Speakers of Other Languages, GED in English, GED in Spanish, College Transitions and Family Literacy. The Partnership is funded by the MA Department of Education as part of a state-wide strategy to provide each and every adult with opportunities to develop literacy skills needed to qualify for further education, job training, and better employment, and to reach his/her full potential as a family member, productive worker, and citizen.
As part of the collaboration, Centro Latino offers two ESOL 1 classes, two ESOL 2 classes and two Spanish Language Literacy classes. The program utilizes pre and post testing, student supports to retain learners, and community linkages to help learners attain their goals for further education and employment. When a student completes ESOL 2, s/he may move directly to ESOL 3 offered at the Bunker Hill Community College Chelsea Campus.
Class Schedules
Both morning and evening schedules are available: the classes meet Monday and Wednesday from 9 am to 12 pm and from 6 pm to 9 pm. To join the program, clients must sign up on the wait list by stopping in or calling Centro’s office. Due to the great need for these services, the average time spent on the waitlist is one year.
Partner Agencies
Bunker Hill Community College
Roca
LARE
Intergenerational Literacy Project
Employment Resources, Inc.
Additional Resources
MA Dept. of Education, Adult and Community Services [www.doe.mass.edu/acls]