Seeking recruitment strategies for immigrants into English for Advancement type programs

I'm seeking to find research on best practices nationally for recruitment of immigrants for English for Advancement type programs, meaning programs designed to serve intermediate level ESOL students who have a goal of getting a job or advancing to another job within a roughly 6 month period. I'm working with a program which is seeking to increase and refine their recruitment efforts to attract students who fit this description.  They are getting many students who respond but who are interested in a job 2-5 years from now.  What research do people know about recruitment strategies or what are your programs doing that is working?  Are there examples of effective collaboration with faith communities?

Thanks for any knowledge and guidance.

Martha

 

 

 

Comments

Hi, Martha -

If you're not already familiar, you may want to check out the English for Heritage Language Speakers (EHLS) program.  Native speakers of critical languages are in high demand in the U.S. government. EHLS trains advanced English speakers to be effective communicators and strong candidates for federal jobs.  While this may not be the exact demographic you're considering, you can read more about their eligibility criteria and recruitment schedule here.  You may find their language and computer skills self-assessments a valuable insight into their targeted recruitment of eligible candidates.

Best,

Mike Cruse

Career Pathways Moderator

michaelcruse74@gmail.com

Hi Martha, 

Here are a few resources that may be able to assist you in your search. 

  1. Global Talent Bridge developed a toolkit for ESL Practitioners which does contain a chapter on best practices and programs for serving high skilled immigrants guide for http://www.globaltalentbridge.org/toolkit/pdf/CH4_ESLModels.pdf 
     
  2. English Health Train (EHT) is a highly specialized, innovative, and comprehensive health-focused ESL curriculum developed by the California Welcome Back Initiative, designed to accelerate the employment readiness of non-native English speakers. EHT is focused on the language, communication, and career development skills needed to enter and succeed in healthcare careers in the U.S.
    http://welcomebackinitiative.org/englishhealthtrain.org/about/
     
  3. The Asian American Civic Association has an extensive listing of classes as part of its "Next Steps Transitional English Program – Intermediate English for College and Job Training" they may be worth contactng to see how they conduct their outreach.
    http://aaca-boston.org/programs-services/english-language-classes/ 

Hope this is helpful, 

Debra