From 2000-10, King County experienced overall growth of 11 percent while Spanish speakers grew 81 percent. Spanish speakers comprise 18-37 percent of county residents, depending on location. This growth created an opportunity for KCLS to make meaningful connections and provide culturally and linguistically relevant services. A community-centered Latino forum in 2015 identified a need to address the equity gap in education for Spanish speaking adults. Plaza Comunitaria (Plaza) and High School 21+ (HS21+) were implemented as a result.

Bellevue Library administers Plaza with oversight from the Mexican Consulate and National Institute for Adult Education. Plaza creates an educational center providing guided and self-directed progress towards obtaining primary/secondary certifications. Students have access to three weekly study labs. Plaza “graduates” earn six credits towards the 18 credits required to complete HS21+, an optional next step. HS21+ is an opportunity for adults 21 and over to earn a Washington high school diploma via Renton Technical College.

Immigrant adult learners face unique obstacles; therefore, KCLS provides a consistent, safe and effective learning environment. We do not define success, but create a space where individual achievements actualize. Since its inception, Plaza volunteers have worked with 137 unique students; 29 completed their primary or secondary education. Twenty-five of the 28 (89 percent) enrolled HS21+ students complete the required credits within two academic quarters. Fourteen students earned their diploma in Fall 2017, 11 in Winter 2018.