Empowerment through skill building

Most adults juggle complicated lives and responsibilities. Learning a new skill or working toward a new career can be challenging. For many immigrants and refugees, added barriers like language access stand in the way.

The library’s programs for adult learners aim to remove barriers and empower people to achieve their goals. Free, accessible, welcoming classes are built in partnership with community. Adults work together at the library to expand knowledge and fulfill dreams.

Reducing obstacles to digital access

Community partnerships are essential in library programming. A key partner in 2024 was Villa Comunitaria, an organization offering many Spanish language programs in South Park. They knew that immigrant community members wanted to pursue digital skills and designed a program, Aula Digital
en Acción (Digital Classroom in Action).

Unlike many community programs, participants had the option of free childcare during classes. Working parents were asked to make a significant time investment: twice a week in the evening for 13 weeks.

Offering childcare made it easier for parents, especially women, to commit. Women made up a notably higher percentage of participants than previous digital skills classes.

To address technology gaps, students received refurbished laptops on completion of the program. Assessments at the beginning and end of the courses captured significant improvement in confidence, skill attainment, and digital independence.

Working toward employment

In another first in 2024, the library worked with Hopelink to offer Seattle residents access to the English for Work program. EFW is aimed at learners with intermediate to advanced English proficiency who seek the next steps toward employment. The new partnership allowed more people to pursue their job goals while continuing to develop English skills.

EFW classes are offered both online and in-person at Hopelink sites and now at the Rainier Beach Branch. Advisers can also meet with students one-on-one outside of class to gain knowledge about job searches, interviews, and expectations.

Participants in the inaugural 2024 courses represented 10 countries. They rated the program as highly effective, measured by two goals: preparing to get a job and improving speaking. “Interview prep was very helpful,” reported one student. “The experience gave me a lot of opportunity to think about how I should present myself to potential employers.”

“Honestly, this course helped me break the glass ceiling about my English,” reflected another student. “And it helped me to take the time to consciously reflect on my professional experience and skills.”

Mapping a path to success

Nuriya is a student in the library’s Adult Education Tutoring program. Her experience exemplifies the dedication of many adult learners. She works a full-time job, takes care of her children, and volunteers at a food bank. She takes classes at Seattle Central College.

Despite her busy schedule, she still makes time each week to attend tutoring sessions at the Broadview Branch. The program helps her better understand her coursework and has helped her with multiple writing assignments.

Long-term, Nuriya wants to work in public health. She has a plan to pursue basic studies and then healthcare-focused classes. She understands how important it is to master each step before moving to the next. She credits tutoring with helping her advance. “Because of you, I can speak with people with comfort,” Nuriya told her regular tutor, Leslie. “And also I can get a better job, a better life.”

The library saw 517 visits to Adult Education Tutoring at the Broadview, Lake City, and Rainier Beach branches in 2024. Participants hailed from 29 countries.

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