El Centro Adult Education

Catholic Charities’ El Centro has provided intensive, results oriented ESOL instruction for low-income immigrants in Boston for over 60 years. Combining comprehensive academic and wrap-around support services, El Centro brings students from the lowest levels of English language learning to college and workforce readiness.

These services are open to learners without restrictions on language proficiency, age, or residency, impacting their ability to earn a living wage and attain economic stability and self-sufficiency.

Student Testimonial

“You need somebody to support you. You simply can’t continue without somebody standing by you. I know I can always count on El Centro."

About the Program

El Centro students have access to intensive free of charge adult ESOL classes at all language proficiency levels; innovative class offerings, including the pioneered by El Centro targeted Critical Thinking and Analytical Reading classes for ESOL students; math and financial literacy instruction; rigorous curriculum which includes contextualized content of natural and social sciences; integrated in every level of ESOL curriculum digital literacy instruction; highly personalized and efficient advising; career pathway development with practical individualized assistance in transition to college/post-secondary career training; and access to a wide range of Catholic Charities support services.

El Centro logo

ESOL and College Transition Program

Since July 2016, El Centro has placed over 200 students in college and serious vocational training programs. The program strives to bring students from the lowest levels of English language learning to college and workforce readiness. Most El Centro students graduating from the highest level start the program at low levels and move up.

El Centro IT Program

El Centro IT offers training in the exciting field of information technology with the focus on cybersecurity. The training is delivered by Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology. The technical training takes two semesters, September to June, 10 hours a week of hybrid classroom instruction in person and on Zoom and requires at least 15-20 hours weekly of independent studies/exam preparation. Upon the successful program completion, the participants receive 15 college credits and internationally recognized industry certifications CompTIA Security+ and PenTest. All training, materials, and certification exams are at no cost to the program participants. The program includes soft skills/career readiness training and job search/placement services for internships/apprenticeships/ or direct placements, depending on student skills and certification success.

Advanced English skills and the US employment authorization are required. To apply, applicants need to fill out an interest form.

To apply, applicants need to fill out an interest form.

Access to Services

El Centro students have access to Catholic Charities child care services, legal assistance, shelters, and other services provided by the agency. El Centro is a community that helps adult immigrants develop, understand, learn, move ahead, and sustain motivation.

LOCATION

El Centro Adult Education
1785 Columbus Ave., 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02119

CONTACT

For more information about the ESOL and College Transition Program, call 617-506-6690 or email elcentro@ccab.org

For information about the Cybersecurity Program, please call 617-464-8023 or email ElCentroIT@ccab.org

Sign up for our mailing list to receive stories and updates about the mission and impact of Catholic Charities Boston and learn more about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.