In order to bring Spanish-speaking residents of Raleigh, North Carolina, closer to educational and job training opportunities, the community college Wake Tech held its third Spanish-language Open House on Thursday, July 24.
During the day, attendees learned about the various programs offered by the institution, which range from introductory classes such as basic electricity, to options to obtain the High School equivalency (GED).
“This event is important because we want the entire community to know about the opportunities that exist and that they can pursue,” said Katie Covington, Director of the High School Equivalency Program (HEP), to Enlace Latino NC.
Finding a path to career opportunities
As part of this initiative, community college officials reaffirmed their commitment to educational inclusion and the empowerment of the area’s Latino communities.
“We are here to help residents find their path to new skills and career opportunities,” said Maribel Madera García, director of Community Outreach and Partnerships, in a press release.
Entrepreneurs and small businesses
During the event, which took place at the Beltline Education Center, visitors had the opportunity to receive information in Spanish about each of the programs presented.
“We focus on free services to the community to help entrepreneurs and small businesses expand their dreams through consulting and one-day workshops,” he explained. Enlace Latino NCArisha Guerra Fonseca, Small Business Center at Wake Tech.
“In the blink of an eye”
Also, the ‘Open House’ featured presentations of, among others, the most popular courses in the areas of technology, language, construction and cosmetology.
“The cosmetology program costs $2,600, which includes the uniform, books, a work kit, and classes. We are now registering for the new cycle, which begins in May 2026,” Maribel Jeffries, director of the Cosmetology Department, told ELNC.
For her part, Daniela Carbajal, soon to graduate from cosmetology studies, told Enlace Latino NC your experience after completing this program for 1 year and 4 months.
“It feels like the blink of an eye. I like that people sit in the chair and can see their inner beauty reflected in the mirror,” she said.
Finally, Daniela reflected with a message for those who are thinking about taking this step and enrolling in this program.
“Thinking isn’t going to get you anywhere. You have to take action, come and look, and keep going.”
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