‘This is just the beginning:’ Bright Futures Ahead for Healthcare Bridge ESOL Graduates

On October 30, a cohort of 12 students celebrated their graduation ceremony from Catholic Charities Boston’s Healthcare Bridge ESOL class. 

Launched in July 2023, the Healthcare Bridge ESOL program is designed to help students who have an intermediate understanding of English strengthen their English-speaking skills, as well as develop fundamental math, digital literacy, and systems navigation skills, with the goal of helping them to secure sustainable, fulfilling jobs in the healthcare field.   

“This program is very near to my heart,” said Jacqueline Chernoble, Vice President of Adult Education and Workforce Development. “For years in the programs I worked in, I saw so many people graduating from English programs but still not quite having the English they needed to get good jobs in healthcare. We created this program to help folks get the skills and support they need.” 

The graduates were the second cohort to complete the program since launch. Of the 16 students who graduated from the first cohort, nine have gone on to complete a nursing assistant program, while others went directly into the workforce. Additionally, there are 18 students taking the class in person at Brockton who will be graduating next month.  

Antonio De Sousa Lobo, Director of Workforce Development, said that he and his colleagues work with each student to help them identify their next step, whether that be enrolling in Catholic Charities Boston’s NA/HHA training, taking an additional ESOL class, or applying for nursing assistant and home health aide positions at local healthcare organizations. 

“The staff have used their talents and knowledge for the benefit of the immigrant community,” said graduate Mathurin Divers, who shared remarks with his classmates. “This class was more than an English class. We gained information that will help us to navigate the workforce in America and for that I want to say thank you.” 

In addition to a graduation certificate for completing the six-month course, each student received a $500 gift-card through program funding, as well as a Chromebook, headphone set, and computer mouse which will allow them to continue building their digital skills and explore employment opportunities. The devices were donated from Tech Goes Home, a Boston-based non-profit dedicated to achieving digital equity. 

Celia Martinez, instructor of the healthcare bridge ESOL program, said she is thrilled to see how successful it has been thus far and looks forward to continuing to support each of her students as they grow. 

“This is just the beginning,” she said. “You are going to keep moving forward. I am so proud of you and so grateful for this program.” 

To find out how you can support our students, and Catholic Charities Boston’s clients in need, visit our Ways to Give page.