BCNC recently celebrated the graduation of 18 students from the ESOL for Customer Service Training Program on April 10th, 2024, with its largest class in the program’s history. What sets this graduation apart is not just the size of the class, but also the increase in younger adult immigrants and diversity in backgrounds.

The most recent cohort had students hailing from Haiti, Cape Verde, China, and Vietnam. The class also included a younger demographic, with many students being single or having immigrated without family. While a number of students have higher education backgrounds, many professionals have immigrated with credentials that are not recognized in the U.S., which require them to pivot their career path. Among the students are refugees from Haiti, who remain steadfastly motivated to enhance their workforce skills.

The goal of the ESOL for Customer Service Training Program is to strengthen immigrant adults with the English and workforce skills they need to secure a job with family-sustaining wages and with a career path so they can build a better future for themselves and their families.

For this cohort, BCNC received 487 applications, underscoring the high demand. Following graduation, five students have already secured jobs in the Greater Boston areas, as technicians, hotel receptionist, and customer service roles at Boston Logan Airport. Thanks to our employer partners, other students are in the interview process for promising job offers.

Meet Jamessey, a BCNC student who emigrated from Haiti. In Haiti, Jamessey obtained a bachelor's degree in engineering and had previously worked as a math teacher. His dream was to pursue a Ph.D. in civil engineering, but his plans were abruptly halted when his school in Haiti was shut down. Undeterred, Jamie continued his education through self-study, relying on textbooks to further his knowledge. After he came to the United States, he enrolled in BCNC’s workforce program. Upon completing the ESOL for Customer Service class at BCNC, Jamie's dedication and hard work paid off when he was hired as a technician at a hotel in Boston.

Jamessey shares, “When I first arrived in the United States, I felt like all the doors were closed for me. Now that I have finished the BCNC Customer Service Class, I feel like everything is open for me. And I found a new job!”

Meet Nguyen, who was a nail technician when she lived in Vietnam, who has dream of becoming a flight attendant. After participating in BCNC’s program, Tran landed a position as a check-in agent at Boston Logan International Airport with Swissport. Additionally, she has applied to continue her education, taking steps to enhance her career prospects.

"I want to thank all of you for lighting up the dream fire in me. Your dedication is our inspiration,” says Nguyen.

Thanks to the funding by the City of Boston, Office of Workforce Development and MassHire Metro North Workforce Board, BCNC continues to support and uplift immigrants through its programs. The success of Jamessey, Nguyen, and their fellow graduates serves as a reminder of the potential for positive change.