English Language Learner Co-Enrollment Pilot Pomona Puente Collaborative

About the Program

Category: Risk and Emergency Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

In August 2019, Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services’ (WDACS) Pomona Puente Collaborative created a culturally relevant and linguistically responsive vocational training and employment program tailored to monolingual and bilingual Spanish English Language Learners (ELL) job seekers. The geographic service emphasis is on the Greater Pomona Valley, as the region is home to a dense community of Spanish speaking households and a wealth of community and public agencies dedicated to supporting the success of the ELL community. WDACS, its Pomona Valley America’s Job Center of California (PV-AJCC), and educational partners such as Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC), Monrovia Adult School, and East San Gabriel Valley ROP (ESGVROP), work synergistically towards common program outcomes such as increased English language competency and gainful, high-growth sector employment. This program harnesses partner Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and Faith-Based Organizations’ (FBOs) organic word of mouth, peer-to-peer resource sharing and grassroots community networks to connect more authentically with ELL participant job seekers.