El Centro Hispano takes a strength-based approach to help the Latino community acquire the necessary life skills to succeed in Jonesboro. We offer educational programs for members of all ages through our English language classes, Spanish language classes, mentorships, computer classes, citizenship orientation, as well as special activities.
English Classes
El Centro Hispano offers English classes to help clients improve their level of conversational English. Listening, speaking, writing, and comprehension skills are tested to determine the best possible level of placement for the student.
Our program provides students with interactive, exciting materials for English language learning. Printed materials are supplemented with small group activities, conversation group work and other activities to aid students in developing practical English skills.
Citizenship Classes
El Centro Hispano helps Permanent Residents prepare for the citizenship exam by reviewing test preparation materials provided by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
If you are a Legal Permanent Resident who has been living in the U.S. for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen) and are interested in becoming a U.S. citizen, please attend the orientation courses to learn about the process of applying for citizenship.
Spanish Classes
El Centro Hispano offers three levels of Spanish classes for adults throughout the year. A book is provided with the classes focusing on conversational Spanish. The classes meet two hours weekly for 8 weeks.
Spanish classes for children are offered when there is enough interest for a session to be started.
Computer Classes
El Centro Hispano provides computer classes to help students improve their basic computer skills. The program offers the community the opportunity to improve workplace skills through hands on classes.
La Escuelita (After-School & Summer Program)
El Centro Hispano offers an after school program from 3pm to 6pm weekly for children who are having difficulties in school. The program places emphasis on the English language and focuses on improving reading, speaking, writing, and spelling in English. Homework assistance and tutoring/mentoring is also provided.
Spanish Camp
Spanish Camp at El Centro Hispano consists of five days full of educational activities to help children learn Spanish. Each day is dedicated to a certain aspect of Spanish culture (food, traditional holidays, music, sports, etc.). Through immersion in the Spanish language, campers have the opportunity to listen, speak, read and write Spanish during outdoor games, storytelling, dancing, songs, arts & crafts, and picnics. The camp’s goal is to motivate campers to learn Spanish and to leave El Centro Hispano with a better understanding of the Spanish language and a desire to continue learning it.
Hispanic Emerging Leaders Program (HELP)
The purpose of H.E.L.P. (Hispanic Emerging Leaders Program) is to nurture the development of leadership, responsibility, community involvement, and communication skills in high school students. The program was created to guide and support Latino high school students in reaching important academic goals as well as planning for their futures in order to obtain a college education, enter a chosen career field, and/or learn how to both lead and serve their peers and their community. H.E.L.P. prepares Latino high school students to apply for college or embark on career paths by engaging with various leaders and mentors from around Jonesboro and the state of Arkansas. Students complete activities to build trust and teamwork while also learning about the roles of different local leaders in areas such as education, healthcare, business, and manufacturing.
Girls’ Enrichment Program
Girls’ Enrichment is a program for junior high and high school students sponsored by Junior Auxiliary of Jonesboro. The girls who participate in the program are matched with female mentors who accompany them during different activities to reward good behavior and achieving good grades. Movie nights, makeovers, bowling, shopping, plays, and get-togethers are some examples of Girls’ Enrichment activities. The goals of Girls’ Enrichment are to improve girls’ self-esteem, confidence, and communication skills.
