El Paso Public Library Work PLACE
El Paso Public Library, Texas
Innovation Synopsis
Working with Workforce Solutions Borderplex, Co-Work Oasis and the City of El Paso’s Information Technology, Community Development and Economic Development Departments, the El Paso Public Library provides a job center, entrepreneurial training and circulating hotspots for underprivileged and minority job seekers and entrepreneurs.
Challenge/Opportunity
Many El Pasoans lack credentials to enter the worlds of work or entrepreneurship due to poverty, language barriers, citizenship requirements, lack of computer skills and lack of educational attainment. The comprehensive basic adult education modules included in the El Paso Public Library’s Work PLACE Program address all of these prerequisites for entering the workplace or becoming an entrepreneur.
Key Elements of Innovation
Modalities of training following assessment include: citizenship training, English as a Second Language training, career online high school certification, GED training, computer training, one-on-one-job search training and entrepreneurial training. Provision of circulating hotspots for home practice of lessons is a critical element of the Work PLACE program.
Achieved Outcomes
Participants will become credentialed in their field of choice and develop computer skills required for their chosen field of work or entrepreneurship. Success of the program is determined by an evaluation of the number of graduates of the program who enter the workforce or become successful entrepreneurs. Statistics are tracked by the library, by Workforce Solutions Borderplex and by Co-Work Oasis.