| |
Breaking the barrier.
 According to research conducted by the
Greater Santa Ana Business Alliance:
- Two-thirds of all local workers are English learners (not yet fluent).
- Three-fourths of all Orange County businesses will not hire English learners.
This gap in workforce competency and employability is being addressed through the
Alliance's English Works program, which includes a community campaign that is a collaboration of the Alliance and the Rancho Santiago Community College District. The goals:
- Bolster the productivity and profitability of local businesses
- Enhance the quality of life for local Latino residents
- Advance the English literacy skills of up to 50,000 Santa Ana residents by the year 2010.
The English classes, which are available at over 70 locations across Santa Ana, are helping bring better employment opportunities and career advancement.
Who benefits?
 Besides the primary goals of educating our residents and helping them in their job growth, studies have shown that widespread acquisition of English skills can also improve the culture and social climate of our local cities. The Alliance and the Community College District are continually working to foster increased community collaborations with local neighborhood associations, and to stimulate residents' participation in the civic process. |
|
