Category: Workforce Development

ESL Classes

Posted on by Ashley Haugen

ESL Classes

Free quarterly English classes for WA residents 18 and over

Free virtual English classes for beginners, levels 1 and 2 provided by Seattle Colleges. Participants must live in WA state and be 18 years of age or older. New classes begin every quarter and are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5pm to 7:30pm. Prospects will be assessed and registered prior to the start of every quarter. Internet access is necessary for participation.

Eligibility Requirement

  • 18 Years and older
  • Live in WA
  • Levels 1 & 2 ESL only

Program Managers

Veronica Gallardo

Veronica was born and raised in the Rainier Beach area of Seattle to Chilean refugees, who started coming to El Centro de la Raza for ESL classes while she was growing up. She is a proud University of Washington graduate, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Societies & Justice. She is now our Property Manager and oversees cultural events, ESL classes, and court-ordered community service, as well as an amazing team of maintenance, janitors and admin staff who support our important work. One of Veronica’s passions is health advocacy and as part of that she helps run the El Centro de la Raza champion softball team.

Tania Zarate

Born in Seattle, but Chilean at heart, Tania comes from a family of Chilean and Argentinean refugees. She grew up with the maternal side of her family which taught her about justice and social struggles. Her Tata always told her about his fight for social justice, their roots and how El Centro De La Raza helped them adjust to life in the US. So, when she had the opportunity to work here in 2022, she jumped on it!

Camila Puelpan

Originally from Chile, Camila moved to the US in 2000. She joined El Centro de la Raza’s Facilities and Housing Economic Development team in 2008. In her free time, she hosts karaoke nights in Seattle and enjoys camping, listening to live music and attending trivia nights.

Please send us your name and phone number to register or for more information!

tzarate@elcentrodelaraza.org

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the class cost?

The class is free.

What’s the schedule of the class?

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5pm – 7:30pm.

Digital Navigators

Posted on by Kiki Bell

Digital Navigators

Learn computer skills quickly!

Digital Navigators is a month-long computer basics course aimed at teaching participants how to navigate the internet and use online tools such as email, word processors, presentation software and much much more!

Eligibility Requirement

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Have access to the internet and a computer
  • Be a current resident of King County
  • Speak Spanish

Program Managers

Oscar Sepulveda

With over 15 years of experience in banking, insurance, financial services, and non-profit organizations, Oscar’s mission has always been to help individuals overcome their challenges through technology, process improvement, and good management practices. As a Digital Navigator, Oscar enjoys helping educate and mentor our students and has done so since the inception of this program!

For more information or to sign up, contact Oscar!

(425) 210-6100

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this program and what time do you meet?

This program a four-week fully online course that meets Mondays and Tuesdays from 6-8PM

Is this an in-person course?

Nope. Digital Navigators is a completely online course, meeting via Zoom.

How much will it cost to join?

Digital Navigators is a free course.

Partners

Unidos In Finance

Posted on by Ashley Haugen

Unidos In Finance

A course that prepares you to start a career in the Finance industry

Looking to begin a career in the Finance industry? Utilizing a cohort-based model, Unidos in Finance prepares students to do just that, with job training, employment assistance, financial literacy, case management, job search coaching, and job placement services for bilingual Latinos looking to enter the financial sector.

The program provides a 7-week training course (using the UnidosUS curriculum) that covers general customer services skills and banking-specific skills including cash handling, check depositing, and critical thinking. Observational and interactive field activities and mock interviews prepare participants for employment in the banking and financial service sectors.

Eligibility Requirement

  • Over 18 years old
  • Authorized to work in the US
  • Live in Washington
  • Speak English
  • Have a phone or computer
  • Have internet access
  • Be able to attend 80% of the classes

Program Managers

Oscar Sepulveda, Seattle

With over 15 years of experience in banking, insurance, financial services, and non-profit organizations, Oscar’s mission has always been to help individuals overcome their challenges through technology, process improvement, and good management practices.

For more information or to sign up, contact Oscar at the number below!

(425) 210-6100

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I don’t have a laptop or Internet?

We can provide you with a laptop and Internet for the duration of the course.

What is the class schedule?

Wednesdays-Fridays from 6-8:30PM.

What if I don’t understand something in the course?

We can work with you one-on-one as needed.

Partners

UnidosUS Logo

Unidos At Work

Posted on by Ashley Haugen

Unidos At Work

Training people for the workforce and advancing their technology skills

Modern life and work require an understanding of modern technology. Unidos at Work is a 7-week course that teaches basic computers skills and their applications in personal finance, the job search, and work. A focus on career coaching, interviewing, and resume-writing prepares participants for the job fair held at the end of each course with recruiters from local businesses.

Eligibility Requirement

  • Over 18 years old
  • Authorized to work in the US
  • Live in Washington
  • Speak Spanish
  • Have a phone or computer
  • Have internet access
  • Be able to attend 80% of the classes

Program Managers

Oscar Sepulveda

With over 15 years of experience in banking, insurance, financial services, and non-profit organizations, Oscar’s mission has always been to help individuals overcome their challenges through technology, process improvement, and good management practices.

For more information or to sign up, contact Oscar at the number below!

(425) 210-6100

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I don’t have a laptop or Internet?

We can provide you with a laptop and Internet for the duration of the course.

What is the class schedule?

Monday-Wednesday from 6-8:30PM

What if I don’t understand something in the course?

We can work with you one-on-one as needed.

Partners

UnidosUS Logo

Labor Standards

Posted on by Kiki Bell

Labor Standards

Help Spanish-speaking workers understand their labor rights.

This program educates Spanish-speaking workers on local, state, and federal labor laws, including The City of Seattle Office of Labor Standards ordinances, minimum wage, wage theft, paid sick time, secure scheduling and more. We also help workers recover owed wages from an employer, and conduct “Know Your Rights” workshops in the community.

Eligibility Requirement

  • Work for an employer in Seattle

Program Managers

Enrique Espinosa

Enrique is our Labor Standards Specialist and has been educating workers about their rights for eight years. He is a proud University of Washington graduate: Go Huskies!

Please call Enrique with questions or to get help!

(206) 973-4290

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still have labor rights as an undocumented worker?

Absolutely! Every person has the same rights to worker protections.

Can you help me if I am undocumented?

Yes, we help everyone regardless of immigration status.

Can you help me recover owed wages from my employer?

Yes, we have helped workers recover thousands of owned wages!

Partners

Youth J.O.B. Readiness Training

Posted on by Ashley Haugen
Youth J.O.B. Readiness

Youth J.O.B. Readiness Program

We provide youth with workforce development services including career exploration, connection to pre-apprentice programs and professional development opportunities, job readiness training, and referrals to supportive services.

Sign Up Now

The Youth J.O.B. Readiness Program is designed to assist youth with identifying career pathways related to their interests with a focus on living wage careers. We provide classes and workshops to develop basic professional skills and provide students with opportunities for professional development. Students are guided in the creation of a working portfolio including a resume, cover letter, job/internship application plan, list of community and financial resources, and more. Youth J.O.B. Readiness program supports families by offering family/parent workshops and informational sessions in order to increase family support for students’ academic and professional progress.

Eligibility Requirement

  • High School Student
  • Seattle Public School District

Program Managers

Chris Espinoza Alvarez

Chris was born in Michoacan, Mexico and immigrated with her family as a child to the US. She is passionate about serving her community and enjoys some good chisme over some cafecito con pan.

Selena Prudente

Selena is the daughter of Mexican migrant farm workers and a first-generation college graduate. Her desire to work with underrepresented communities stems from her own experiences of not having adequate resources and support.

To enroll, fill out our interest form.

Sign Up Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements?

Student must be currently enrolled in a Seattle School District High School.

How much does the program cost?

Youth J.O.B. Readiness Program is free.