English & Digital Skills Training

Interested in practicing your English & Digital skills? Click through the buttons below to find the class that is right for you!

Open For Application:

In the English and Job Support for Manufacturing program, you will take a class 2 days per week to practice English and computer skills. The class will help you prepare for a job search. In the class, you will do some projects like making a resume and practicing job interviews.

If you join the class, you will also meet one-on-one with an Employment Specialist outside of class time. They will talk to you about your work goals and support you in applying for jobs. Our Employment Specialists have connections to many manufacturing employers, and they will help you connect to entry-level (starting) job opportunities.

Manufacturing jobs include jobs like: Warehouse associate, machine operator, packer.  For more information about manufacturing jobs, watch these short videos:

In this program, you will:

  • Develop your English language skills
  • Improve your computer skills
  • Learn how to search, apply, and interview for manufacturing jobs in the United States
  • Get one-on-one job search support
  • Connect with entry-level manufacturing job opportunities
  • Meet a community of English learners
  • Be able to get referrals to organizations that can support with other life issues

 

Dates: Aug. 31 – Dec. 16

Days:  Monday, Wednesday

Times: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

Location: Mondays in-person at The Welcoming Center (Center City, Philadelphia); Wednesdays online

Apply by: Friday, August 21

Free English class to talk about life, work, business and finance, health, community and culture! You will practice listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

Dates: Sep. 1 – Dec. 17, Tuesday and Thursday

Time: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

Levels: Low Beginning; High Beginning

Location:

  • Level 1 – Low Beginning: Tuesday and Thursday, in-person, Center City Philadelphia
  • Level 2 – High Beginning: Tuesday in-person in Center City Philadelphia, Thursday online

 

Apply by: Friday, August 21

Computer Basics for English Learners is a beginner computer class for adult immigrants who want to learn how to use a computer and practice their English. The class supports learners who are new to computers and those who want to feel more confident with basic skills.
 
In this class, participants will learn how to use a mouse and keyboard, search for information on the internet, stay safe online, fill out simple forms, and create and use an email account. Students will also learn common computer vocabulary and practice English while using the computer.
 
This class is for adults who live in the Philadelphia area, speak intermediate English, and can attend all classes. The program is free for participants.
 

Dates: Sep. 16 to Dec. 16

Days: Monday and Wednesday

Time: 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm

Location: Center City, Philadelphia

Apply by: Tuesday, Aug. 25

 

Requirements:

  • Adult immigrant or refugee
  • Live around Philadelphia
  • Speak intermediate English
  • Learning how to use the computer as a beginner
  • Attend all classes

What you get:

  • Use a computer, mouse, and keyboard
  • Search the internet safely
  • Fill out forms online
  • Create and use an email account
  • Practice English and learn about U.S. culture
Digital Bridge is a free digital literacy and leadership program for immigrant, refugee, and multilingual community members who want to build their digital skills and learn how to support others in their communities.
 
In this program, participants will strengthen their computer and digital skills, learn how to use the Northstar Digital Literacy platform, and develop skills in teaching, mentoring, communication, and facilitation. Participants will gain hands-on experience supporting adult learners and facilitating digital skills workshops with community partners throughout Philadelphia.
 
This program is for adults who live in or serve Philadelphia communities, have basic to intermediate computer skills, speak intermediate English, and are interested in teaching, mentoring, or supporting others. Participants must be able to attend scheduled training sessions and workshops and commit to completing the program.
 
Program Details:

 

Requirements:

 

What You Get:

 

Northstar Class: Essential Software Skills
Northstar Class: Essential Software Skills is a free digital literacy course for adult immigrants and English learners who want to build confidence using common computer software for work, education, and everyday life.
 
Participants will learn through the Northstar Digital Literacy program, building skills in creating documents, working with spreadsheets and presentations, managing files, and using software and online tools to complete everyday tasks.
 
This class is for adult immigrants and English learners with basic or intermediate computer skills, intermediate English, and an interest in strengthening their digital skills. Participants must be able to attend weekly class sessions and commit to completing the program.
 

Program Details:

  • Dates: October 13 – December 15, 2026
  • Days: Tuesdays
  • Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
  • Location: Online through Zoom, with an in-person option at The Welcoming Center (Center City)

 

Requirements:
  • Adult immigrant or English learner
  • Intermediate English
  • Basic or intermediate computer skills
  • Able to commit to the full program

 

What You’ll Learn:
  • Create and edit documents
  • Use spreadsheets and presentations
  • Manage digital files
  • Build confidence using everyday software
 
AI Literacy and Community Innovation Hub

The AI Literacy and Community Innovation Hub is a community-centered initiative designed to build understanding, leadership, trust, and practical skills around ethical, people-focused AI.

Program Phases:

Phase 1: AI Literacy & Public Understanding – Build a shared understanding of AI, its uses, risks, and opportunities in everyday life and become an AI Ambassador

Phase 2: Community Innovation – Explore how AI can be applied to address real community needs and challenges and design multimedia solution projects like podcasts, short videos etc.

Phase 3: Innovation & Leadership – Develop and share community-informed ideas, projects, or strategies using AI for web applications and agents

Upcoming Info Session: 

When: Thursday, July 30, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Where: Online via Zoom

Questions? Email opeyemi@welcomingcenter.org

PLEASE NOTE: Attendance at the info session is required to participate in the program.

Join The Waitlist:

There is no English for Workplace Communication class currently scheduled.  If you would like to receive email notifications when application reopens, please fill out this interest form. If you have already submitted an application, you do not need to do so again. Thank you for your interest!

English for Workplace Communication is an intermediate-level English class that focuses on developing immigrants’ skills in successful communication after they obtain employment in the U.S. The class focuses on English language, digital literacy, and communication strategies at workplace. Participants will practice active listening, notetaking, facilitation, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills in English. They will also improve their computer skills in emails, basic Google Sheets, and formatting Google Docs.  

English for Workplace Communication participants are English language learners and immigrants with a low-intermediate English level or higher who have U.S. work experience or will start working soon. The program is delivered at no cost to participants. 

Requirements:

  • Intermediate English (ability to speak and understand simple conversations in English).
  • Have basic computer skills (some internet, email, and Google Docs).
  • Come to all in-person and online classes three times a week.
  • Preferably have work experience in the U.S., will start working soon, or graduated from the English for Job Search class.   

What you get:

  • Develop your English language skills (intermediate level) 
  • Improve your computer skills (e.g., email, Google Docs, Google Sheets) 
  • Learn how to maintain effective communication at workplace in the United States 
  • Meet a community of English learners 
  • Get personal support 
The next English for Entrepreneurship class is likely to be offered in Spring 2027. If you would like to receive email notifications when application reopens, please fill out this interest form. If you have already submitted an application, you do not need to do so again. Thank you for your interest!
 
English for Entrepreneurship is a free English classes for small business owners. Practice English and computer skills for managing your business and for communicating with customers and lenders.
 
Requirements:
  • Intermediate English (ability to speak and understand simple conversations in English)
  • Own a small business in the Philadelphia area. 
  • Have basic computer skills (some internet and email). 
  • Come to class in person two times a week. 
 
What you get:
  • Practice English for communicating with customers and lenders.
  • Learn computer skills: email, Google Docs, Google Sheets (Excel), online forms, and more!
  • Be part of a learning community of other small business owners

About English & Digital Skills Training

We support immigrants in and around Philadelphia to achieve work, education, and life goals by learning the English language, U.S. culture, and digital skills.