According to Orange County officials, some 120 adult workers in the I-Drive area have completed three 8-week cycles of English Language Learning in classes provided through a partnership of Orange County and UCF Global and with the support of their employer, Rosen Hotels & Resorts.
A recent local event celebrated their “graduation” and showcased plans for the program’s expansion.
To address Orlando talent shortages, Orange County’s International Drive Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) advisory group recommended an investment in English Learning language to support professional growth and retention. In September 2022, Orange County Government partnered with UCF Global, Rosen Hotels & Resorts and Aeras Foundation to launch a first of its kind pilot program aimed at providing onsite English language instruction tailored to the needs of working adults in the I-Drive CRA.
“With Rosen Hotels & Resorts bringing the classes to associates near their normal work hours and compensating them for their time in class – several significant barriers were removed,” said Marthaly Irizarry, Orange County Economic Trade & Tourism Development. “This included the need to choose between learning and earning, as well as needing to make additional transportation or childcare arrangements.”
This event earmarked the completion of the three, 8-week cycles, which included Foundational, Beginning and High-Intermediate curriculum. Two additional I-Drive employers will begin their pilot programs this month and provide additional case studies for analysis. A recommendation to extend this public-private partnership to more employers in the I-Drive CRA will be reviewed by the I-Drive CRA Advisory Group this summer.
Orange County reported early research found that while nearly half of the participants have been in the U.S. for more than eight years, nearly 60% had not taken English classes in the past; and half (50%) of this group cited work schedules as a barrier to learning English.
Early findings indicate that participants made significant learning gains in listening, grammar, vocabulary, reading and speaking. Classes were offered in-person and online, and both groups reported a high level of satisfaction (4.2 on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being very satisfied). Qualitative data analyses and individual conversations suggest that instructors’ creating a safe and flexible learning environment, especially to decrease students’ affective filter and increase communication and participation was very important.
The sponsoring employer for the I-Drive English Language Learning, Rosen Hotels & Resorts, reported growth in confidence, speaking and understanding of the English language, and that associates were engaged and committed. The opportunity to attend while at work, both from a location and cost perspective, is invaluable from Rosen’s perspective.
“A key component of their learning gains, their confidence and their engagement was that the curriculum was designed based on the level of our students and their pace,” said Kim Carson, Rosen Hotels & Resorts Senior HR Manager.
To learn more, check out Orange County’s I-Drive ESOL program.
