Dec. 05--When Elizabeth Espinoza's two children tackle their homework at the kitchen table each day, she is poring over a stack of books alongside them, polishing her English and computer skills.
"I tell my children that when they go to school each morning, 'Mommy is so happy to be going to school too,'" said Espinoza, 41, an immigrant from Veracruz, Mexico.
Espinoza, of Des Plaines, is one of 18 participants in "Bridges to 21st Century Careers," a program sponsored by the Township High School District 214 Education Foundation in Arlington Heights.
The program, which is based at the Forest View Educational Center, aims to help adult students enhance their skills in reading, writing and math. The goal is to make them "college ready" as they transition into high demand jobs, as well as certificate programs at Harper College in Palatine.
The northwest suburban program is offered free to local residents, who attend morning and evening classes intended to prepare them for careers in fields like health care, electronics, and manufacturing technology. It is one of the many programs that receive financial support from Chicago Tribune Charities, a McCormick Foundation fund.
"Years ago, immigrants would head straight to Chicago, but now, the suburbs have often become the first place to land," said Rhonda Serafin, District 214's manager of adult education and family literacy.
"We identify students who are enrolled in our ESL classes, and who are at an advanced level and want and need to become employable so they can support their family with jobs that earn sustaining wages," said Serafin, adding that in addition to newcomers to the U.S., the program also assists those who fell short of earning a high school degree during their teen years.
Serafin said while it's not uncommon for students in the Bridges program to have earned advanced degrees in their native countries, their fledgling English skills often limit them to employment in low-paying jobs in local restaurants and factories.
In addition to professional skills, like time management and dressing and behaving appropriately for job interviews, the Bridges program also helps students improve their academic skills, including vocabulary and mathematics, as well as the basics of computer software programs like Microsoft Word and Excel.
Namjoo Kim, 48, a South Korean immigrant, said the Bridges program is helping her reach her goal of earning a college degree in accounting.
While Kim earned a degree in hospitality management and enjoyed a successful career as an event planner in South Korea, she said her limited English skills have prevented her from finding a professional job in the U.S.
After owning and operating a restaurant in Schaumburg for eight years, Kim began attending the Bridges program with hopes of establishing a career as an accountant.
"I had never written a resume and cover letter in English, only in Korean words, and that was a long time ago," Kim said.
"This class has been very helpful in improving my math and language skills, and helping prepare me for looking for and getting a job," she said.
Student Nelly Talbot, 36, said prior to marrying her American husband and immigrating to the U.S. last spring, she had earned an associate's degree in accounting in her native Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
Still, Talbot says despite her educational background, her developing English skills have made it difficult to find work in her profession in the U.S.
"I need to improve my English language skills, and also learn about the Illinois employee payroll laws," Talbot said.
"All my free time is spent reading and writing in English, and listening to American radio and TV so I can feel more confident and secure in my skills when I have a job interview," she added.
Talbot's classmate, Espinoza, said after arriving in the U.S. in 1995, she found work as a restaurant cook, but quickly realized she needed to further her education to establish a professional career.
Now, as a student in the Bridges program, Espinoza is one step closer to her dream of earning an associate's degree in radiologic technology from Harper College.
"When I arrived in this country, I didn't even know how to say, 'How are you?'" Espinoza said.
"I have two beautiful children, 8 and 10 years old, and now, when they sit down to do their homework, I'm at their side, doing mine, and we can help each other."
kcullotta@tribpub.com
