classes

The Latin American Coalition offers a variety of workshops and classes to Charlotte’s diverse community members. Available classes include:

    Computer Literacy Classes

    - Basic Computer Classes are for adults who are learning to use the computer for the first time and would like to get familiar with the keyboard, computer equipment and its many uses.
    - Intermediate Computer Classes are for adults who have some experience using the computer and would like to learn how to use the internet and Microsoft Office.
    The Latin American Coalition has a public Computer Lab available to all Computer Class attendees and graduates who seek to continue to polish their computer skills during office hours (9-5:30, M-F). The Computer Lab is also available at no cost  for anyone who has taken the Workforce Development Class so they can look for employment on-line.

    NEXT CLASS:

    Every Wednesdays from 2:30 – 4:30 and Saturdays from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Classes are free, but donations are welcome. Needs registration
    For more information contact: Walter Montes 704-531-3856

    Language Classes

    ESL (English as a Second Language) and Spanish courses for adults are offered at the Coalition during the fall, spring, and summer. Fall and Spring courses consist of 10 weeks (40 hours of instruction). The summer session consists of 8 weeks (32 hrs of instruction). Our language program is facilitated by knowledgeable volunteer instructors and advanced students of the language. Volunteer instructors come from diverse backgrounds and experience levels. In some cases volunteer instructors receive academic credit for facilitating a course.  Training of volunteer instructors is provided at no cost to volunteers by experienced teachers as part of a partnership with local higher education institutions. Depending on demand, the Coalition may offer course levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced-conversational. For more information about the language classes and/or to volunteer as a language instructor, please contact Director of Client and Volunteer Services, Maria del Pilar File-Muriel at volunteer@latinamericancoalition.org or 704-531-3834.

    Citizenship Classes

    Citizenship classes are offered for all legal permanent residents preparing for naturalization. Participants improve English for Citizenship tests, reading, writing, speaking and listening. This 8-week, bi-lingual class covers basic English, and United States history and government and provides personalized preparation for the Citizenship Test. Many students who completed this course have passed the naturalization exam and have become American Citizens.

    NEXT CLASS: For more information please contact Advocacy Coordinator, Ruben Campillo rcampillo@latinamericancoalition.org or at 704-941- 6730

    Homeownership Classes

    This HUD-certified class teaches participants the process of becoming a homeowner. Topics covered include: how to apply for a mortgage loan; how much can you afford; how to determine your house payment and what it is included in your mortgage; the importance of your credit; down payment assistance and closing costs;  how to find the house of your dreams; who is your home buyer team; what is entailed in the closing process;  and how to maintain your home for years to come.

    NEXT CLASSES

    • Saturday January 16, 2010 at 9:00 am at Coalition’s office.
    • Saturday February 13, 2010 at 9:00 am at Coalition's office
    • Saturday March 13, 2010 at 9:00 am at Coalition's office

    Please register in advance. Seats are limited.  One on one session will be conducted with previous appointment. Our services are free!For more information contact Housing Counselor, Ana Barba at abarba@latinamericancoalition.org or 704-941-2559

    Labor Rights Training

    The labor Rights Training is a FREE weekly workshop offered to Latino job seekers. As a pre-requirement to have access to our Job Bank, this class covers diverse topics of interest for the job seeker in North Carolina such as interview tips, community resources to find a job, labor market trends, worker’s rights, identifying discrimination practices at the workplace, preventing becoming a victim of abuse and exploitation, and more. NEXT CLASS: Every Tuesday 2:00pm-4:00pm at the Latin American Coalition. The classes are free and anyone interested to attend should arrive 15 minutes early to register and reserve a spot. For more information, contact the Economic Development Director, Walter Montes at wmontes@latinamericancoalition.org or 704-531-3856.

    Small Business Development Classes

    Small Business Classes

    The Latin American Coalition offers a series of Spanish-language business classes to support entrepreneurs seeking to start or expand their small business. Past classes have included Basic Accounting & Bookkeeping, Sales Tax Class with the NC Department of Revenue, and How to do Business with the Public Sector (thanks to the help of the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg, and CMS).

    NEXT CLASS:

    The class consists of 3 modules. We started with the first module November 3. The second module will be November 23; and the third module will be November 30. It Is a requirement to register from the first module. We will be starting the first module again January 11, 2010. The cost is $60.00 for the 3 modules. Please call Walter Montes 704-531-3856 for more information.

    For more information contact Director of Economic Development, Walter Montes, at wmontes@latinamericancoalition.org or 704-531-3856