Tri-C and 26 area organizations partner for outreach to region’s Hispanic community
CLEVELAND, Nov. 16, 2023: As the Latino population in Cuyahoga County continues to grow, Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) is looking to help the region’s Spanish-speaking individuals overcome barriers to education and employment.
Tri-C and more than two dozen community partners are kicking off an initiative this month to increase awareness in the Hispanic community of the College’s offerings and services.
Twenty-six community agencies have pledged their support for Unidos por la Educación (United for Education), an effort to engage and connect the Hispanic community.
“Based on feedback from our partners, we identified three areas that can immediately benefit the Hispanic community and connect them with career opportunities,” said Magda Gómez, executive director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Tri-C.
Unidos por la Educación will encourage Hispanic community members to:
- Take English as a Second Language classes in the daytime or evening
- Complete an associate degree or fast-track program
- Learn a skilled trade
Increasing educational access and support for the Northeast Ohio Hispanic and Latinx community can lead to better-paying jobs, growing the region’s workforce and economy.
The largest population of Latinos in Ohio resides in Cleveland, making up about 13.1% of the city’s population. Cuyahoga County’s Hispanic population grew by 36% during the last decade, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
“We found that language, finances, transportation and a lack of support are the most common roadblocks Hispanics encounter to education and employment,” Gomez said. “Connecting current and potential Spanish-speaking students directly to our Hispanic Council, with Spanish-speaking support staff and mentors, and providing materials in Spanish will help them see opportunities instead of obstacles.”
For more information and to get started, visit Tri-C’s Su Futuro webpage (www.tri-c.edu/sufuturo).