We Speak Your Language: The Power of Multilingual Education at Urban College
With so many skilled job applicants, employers are looking for candidates with the right credentials. But too often, schools are designed either to teach English or to teach professional skills. Urban College is different. Over 70% of our students speak English as a second language, and we know the importance of meeting our students where they are.
Urban College understands the needs of English Language Learners. Our innovative, flexible, and multilingual classes help our students gain both the language and professional skills for success.
For Dr. Yves Salomon-Fernández, President of Urban College of Boston, the commitment to meeting the needs of English Language Learners is a point of pride. “We are proud to be a multilingual institution that allows learners to begin their studies in their native languages while concurrently deepening their English language proficiency.”
Our career-focused and affordable programs are designed to help our diverse student population turn their college dreams into reality. Our mission is to open new pathways to opportunity through individualized, supportive, and multilingual education, preparing a diverse community of learners to pursue career advancement and transform their lives.
Whether you are a recent high school graduate looking to attend college, a parent seeking job opportunities, or a working adult wanting to add skills or change careers, Urban College has a program that meets your needs. We offer Associate Degrees, Certificate Programs, and Individual Professional Studies Classes that help English Language Learners take their careers to the next level.
The Economic and Employment Landscape for English Language Learners
In Massachusetts, 1 in 10 foreign-born working-age adults have limited English proficiency (LEP), meaning they report speaking English “less than very well.” At the same time, the number of job postings requiring candidates to have strong English skills is increasing. It’s estimated that in the next 10 years, almost 40 percent of all jobs in Massachusetts will require advanced English skills. LEP workers are less likely to find employment and when they do, they are more likely to work in lower-paying jobs.
The good news is that career opportunities and earnings rise as workers’ English improves. On average, earnings for workers rise by almost 24% for each level of language attainment.
At Urban College, we understand the needs of English language learners.
"While most colleges require college-level English proficiency before enrolling, Urban College meets students where they are. Students can begin their studies in their native language and graduate with English ability. This is a gamechanger for so many learners." Says Anna Berry, VP of Student Success at Urban College of Boston.
The Urban College Multilingual Advantage
At Urban College, we have a unique and inclusive approach to education. We have translated a select number of our classes into languages other than English.
Students can take classes in multiple languages, including Spanish and Mandarin. More languages, like Portuguese and Haitian-Creole, are being added based on the community's needs. This means our students can take courses in their native language while progressing through a sequence of English classes for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes.
We use a strength-based, scaffolded approach to language instruction. English courses at Urban College focus on listening, speaking, reading, writing, and college-level skills. Students learn to reflect, discuss ideas, present to a group, and write clearly and effectively. In our reading and writing curriculum, students gain critical thinking skills and the strategies they need to succeed in college and beyond.
As an institution comprised primarily of non-traditional learners and multilingual students, we understand the needs of our students.
Like many of Urban College’s staff and faculty, the mission is personal for President Salomon-Fernández. An immigrant herself, she arrived in the US as a teenager, not knowing a word of English. “In our students, I see the recent college graduate who is the first in his family to go to college, the mother getting her degree so she can have a career, and her kids can have a better life. In them, I see myself and my story and that of my extended family as immigrants and as Americans.”
Practical Education, Flexible Schedules, and Affordable Costs
Urban College offers three Associate Degree programs: Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education, Associate of Arts in General Studies, and Associate of Arts in Human Services. These programs prepare students for many career options, including starting or managing an Early Childhood Center, Sales Manager, Executive Assistant, General Manager, Small Business Owner, Case Manager, Community Service Manager, Social Work Assistant, and many more. Students interested in continuing their education can apply their associate's degree toward bachelor's degrees at other colleges and universities.
Urban College classes are designed to meet the needs of busy and working students. Classes are offered online in synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid formats.
Our Learning Resource Center also provides students with various supports, including individual and group tutoring, language support in Spanish, Mandarin, Portuguese and Haitian-Creole, technology assistance, study skills, and professional workshops.
Because we understand the importance of your education, we strive to make Urban College affordable. Depending on the program of study, we offer state, City of Boston, and federal financial aid to all eligible students.
Start Your Journey to Success at Urban College
If you’re ready to move to the next phase of your life and career, apply today. At Urban College, you can gain the language and professional skills to build a better future for yourself and your family.
Kickstart your dreams with a degree from Urban College of Boston!