South Central Workforce Development Board Secures Grant for Refugee Employer Engagement Program

Diverse refugee workforce program.

South Central Workforce Development Board Secures Grant for Refugee Employer Engagement Program

Bowling Green, KY – The South Central Workforce Development Board (SCWDB) is the proud recipient of a three-year grant designated to aid local businesses who count numerous refugees among their workforce. The grant will fund the Refugee Employer Engagement Program (REEP), a new initiative designed specifically to support refugees who have domiciled in the region for less than five years.

The Purpose of REEP

The cornerstone of REEP lies in the establishment of work-based English language classes aimed at heightened linguistic proficiency and subsequent job advancement for refugees. The US Government acknowledges the vital importance of stable employment for refugees as soon as practicable. However, without a sound understanding of English, their professional growth could be stymied.

“What we want is to give them the tools necessary to ladder up in their career and not let the English language or the lack of it hinder them from posting for a different position,” shared Laura Torres, a REEP Specialist.

The Plan for English Classes

The English courses will be scheduled twice weekly, either an hour before or after the employee’s shift. At the moment, SCWDB is fervently recruiting instructors from local entities to facilitate these classes. They have launched a partnership with Adult Education in Warren County and are considering the services of independent translators or other providers as well, like the Franklin Literacy Center, who could provide the necessary instructional support. Most importantly, the grant ensures both employers and employees can avail these services free of charge.

“These services are free to the employer, so they will not have to pay anyone to come on and give the classes because the grant will take care of that and they’re free to the employees as well so they don’t have to pay for the class,” Torres elaborated.

Additional Benefits of REEP

Besides the English lessons, REEP also incorporates other resources designed to assist refugee employees in integrating successfully into the workplace. They include features like employee coaching for short-term and long-term career objectives and connections to community resources as required.

“It’s not just so much an English class, but just an overall support system for refugees to be able to integrate successfully within the community,” reflected Torres.