For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: September 23, 2024
ELL program in Lancaster expands to serve more students
Lancaster -
Entering its second official phase, the new English Language Learners (ELL) courses being offered at Amcor in Lancaster, Wisconsin, have been making an impact. The courses are an initiative between Amcor, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, and Growing Lancaster.
The ELL classes began in June 2023, with a co-hort of seven students. At that time, beginner classes were the main focus. This year, both beginner and intermediate ELL classes are being held on Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. at Amcor. “With the need for resource space and as a member of the Growing Lancaster committee, Amcor opened its doors to support the community,” said Randy Flynn, Amcor plant manager. “We are a proud member of the Lancaster community and couldn’t be prouder to support the movement.”
“When Growing Lancaster began its community initiative, the group had ideas on what it wanted to try to impact including increase acceptance and decrease barriers,” said Rochelle Williams, marketing director at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster, and member of Growing Lancaster. “Ideas included Spanish in the workplace language training to help English-speaking employees better communicate with Spanish-speakers, bilingual signage and other ways to be more welcoming. But it wasn’t until the group held a focus group at a local dairy farm and hearing first-hand what they felt would help most, that the focus expanded to offering ELL classes. And that is what brought the idea to Lancaster.”
Southwest Tech has provided the instructors for the program. “The demand is growing,” said Chantel Hampton, director of special populations/adult education at Southwest Tech. “Students really began growing more confident in their abilities, and that has resulted in the addition of the intermediate section, as well as the interest of more students.”
“The goal is to build the confidence in our English language learners,” said Hampton. “We want them to feel as if they are part of the community, so that they can do well at work and earn promotions that are offered. That also means that when they go to parent-teacher conferences they can have meaningful conversations with their child’s teachers.”
Flynn noted there was a desire and a need for these services in the community. “We recognized the need to support other members of the Hispanic community and overcome the language barrier, and by offering the classes on site, some of our own colleagues attend the classes as well,” he said.
The classes are open to anyone in the community. “Our goals are to help newcomers make the transition to incorporate into our community and workforce, as we understand the vital role immigrants play in revitalizing and strengthening our community,” said Flynn.
The cost of the classes is covered through the Workforce Innovation Grant, which was awarded to Southwest Tech in June 2022.
“The Workforce Innovation Grant has allowed us to directly address critical workforce needs by breaking down language barriers and empowering individuals within the community,” said Holly Straka, director of Business and Industry Services at Southwest Tech. “Through this partnership with Amcor and Growing Lancaster, we’re helping English language learners gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive in their jobs and contribute to the local workforce. This program is creating opportunities for individuals to advance their careers in the manufacturing sector.”
Flynn explained these classes have made a positive impact, not only at Amcor, but in the community, as well. He is eager to see what the future brings. “Great, talented colleagues from the Hispanic community have joined our team,” he said. We are learning from each other, and we are a much stronger team because of them. We will continue to grow our team and support our community, schools, and other business by bringing in members of other cultural backgrounds. We are a very welcoming community who understands and take a lot of pride supporting newcomers.”
• This project is supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP0135 awarded to [Southwest Tech] via the Wisconsin Workforce Innovation Grant Program by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. The college was recently named a top 10 finalist for the Aspen Prize. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online, HyFlex and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |