Issue link: http://howardcc.uberflip.com/i/1059479
14 Howard Community College Since its inception in 1970, the English Language Center at Howard Community College has helped thousands build or improve their English reading, writing, and speaking skills. Now, the center has expanded into developing customized classes and training programs to groups of students, teachers, and professionals both regionally and locally. "We are always looking for new avenues or interesting programs that can remove barriers and give people the tools they need to learn English as a means of pursuing a good education or enhancing their careers," said Rosie Verratti, director of the English Language Center. English for the American Workforce One such customized program is English for the American Workplace. Many local manufacturing companies employ a number of employees with limited English skills, which can be a barrier to the growth of both the employee and the company. Next Day Blinds, headquartered in Jessup, decided to do something about it. Using funding from Maryland Business Works, an incumbent worker training program administered by the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Next Day Blinds partnered with the English Language Center to develop a custom English training program, which included three days of on-site instruction per week. The company used the program as an incentive for model employees and was so pleased with the results of the program that it immediately applied for a second round of funding. Innovative English Language Programs Offer Customized Training, Regionally and Internationally pGlobal Business Program Understanding the nuances of international business culture is critical for success in a global market. Beyond language, those wishing to do business in the United States need to have strong strategic management skills and knowledge of international business ethics. Recently, four groups of students who are pursuing master's degrees at the British Institute of Management and Technology in the Ivory Coast traveled to the English Language Center. They participated in a program focusing on improving communication skills for use in today's international business market and gathering insights on how American business people think, make decisions, and run companies. pSummer Language and Culture Academy Through a partnership with the government of Naju City, a Maryland Sister City, approximately 30 middle and high school students from the Republic of Korea have traveled to HCC for the past two summers, taking a series of CON-ED CONNECTIONS