UCF Global Secures a Truist Foundation Grant

UCF Global is committed to Central Florida’s fast growing, diverse, and highly motivated immigrant population.  For the last five years, Global has offered a Community English Program (CEP) which has served over 1,500 individuals.  During the height of the pandemic the need for English proficiency among immigrants and Hispanics, and especially displaced workers, became glaringly clear.  This underscored for us how English proficiency is a top determinant of economic mobility for immigrants.  UCF Global continued to respond to English language proficiency needs and launched the Latinos y Amigos Center for Advancement and Student Achievement (LA CASA).  LA CASA offers an inclusive environment at UCF for the immigrant community to access adult education and upskilling programs.

This summer, Truist Foundation awarded UCF Global a $250,000 grant to increase and strengthen these offerings under its Building Career Pathways to Economic Mobility pillar.  With this funding, we will be able to increase and strengthen our no cost and affordable English and upskilling opportunities for Central Floridians.  “Central Florida’s immigrant and limited English speaking populations are in need of English proficiency and upskilling programs that are accessible in order to find work, advance in the workplace, make a living wage and increase earning potential,” stated Zoé Colón, who manages the program.  The grant will expand the number of English classes provided and learners reached, increase support through career coaching, and enhance our career readiness programs.

Nataly Chandia Viano, Associate Vice President of UCF Global, shared, “My parents and I came to this country from Chile when I was just a child, and I know firsthand how important accessible English programs are for immigrant families and what you can achieve through the power of education.  LA CASA’s work is another feather in UCF’s cap as we continue to strive to effectively serve the Hispanic community, given our Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) designation.”  Preparing Latinos and immigrants in the region for career mobility has long lasting social and economic impact on their lives, immediate communities, and the Central Florida region.

The Community English Program and other facets of our adult education programs are available to the Central Florida’s English Language Learner community.  Interested learners should complete this survey: https://tinyurl.com/UCFLACASA or call 407-823-2337.