PODER

Results: Over twenty-two years, PODER has assisted more than 11,000 Spanish-speaking adult immigrants in creating successful and fulfilling lives in Chicago. We are dedicated to helping immigrants improve their English proficiency through our signature, five-level Integrated English (IE) program and workforce certification and licensing job training programs. Since 2015, an English-only focus evolved to include the seamless integration of civic engagement, job training, and digital literacy content into our programs. Today, our wrap-around student support services, enrichment workshops, and community outreach initiatives provide Spanish-speaking adults in Chicago a wide range of immigrant integration services that empower them with the skills and resources needed to be economically independent and fully integrated into U.S. society.

Target demographics: Spanish-speaking adult immigrants

Direct beneficiaries per year: 698 individuals enroll in our Integrated English and Job Training programs

Geographic areas served: Throughout the City of Chicago, but we primarily focus on Chicago’s southwest side

Programs: Integrated English (IE) Our multi-level IE is a dynamic adult literacy program where English is contextualized within job-readiness, digital literacy, civic engagement, and financial empowerment skills. PODER's IE program is unique in that our students obtain hands-on experience on a range of topics required for successful immigrant integration from English to workplace computer software navigation to career exploration and multicultural communication skill development. IE empowers students to: • Navigate everyday conversations and transactions in English with ease • Qualify for greater job opportunities • Improve digital literacy skills and increase confidence in using 21st century technology • Learn financial empowerment skills that establish a strong foundation for economic security • Experience fully the communities and activities that make Chicago a world-class city • Achieve personal goals and increase confidence • Communicate on behalf of their children and families Workforce Development (WFD) Our WFD program provides career pathways for unemployed or underemployed individuals seeking career opportunities that offer family-sustaining wages and advancement opportunities. Currently, PODER offers three unique training courses. The first, our Customer Service (CS) training, is a five-week course that develops universal customer service and communication skills vital to any service industry position. Students who complete the training receive a Customer Service Institute of America industryrecognized credential. The second training, Latinos in Finance (LIF), prepares individuals for bank teller and other entry-level careers in the financial services sector. Additionally, for those bilingual Latinos with prior customer service experience, LIF serves as a springboard to middle skill job opportunities with our network of financial institution partners. The third training, Bilingual Insurance Licensing (BIL), prepares students to pass the Illinois Property and Casualty insurance exam to secure employment with our local insurance agency partners. In addition to industry-specific technical skills and certifications, each WFD pathway empowers students to: • Explore career pathways and set short and long-term career goals • Build a resume, practice interview skills, and network with employers • Enhance and build employer-identified soft skills needed for customer service, financial service sector, or insurance sector jobs • Gain competitive workplace technology skills • Secure employment with one of PODER’s employer partners