By Roger Jimenez, Contributing Correspondent

 

In Summary:

 

Jennifer Desalvo Hadad, Director of Business Partnerships & Community Initiatives for UCF Global, presented the university’s workforce initiative during the Feb. 18 Apopka City Council meeting. The program integrates practical English instruction, digital literacy, and workforce skills to address employability barriers identified through regional research. UCF Global is seeking approximately $250,000 in annual city support, along with employer and community partnerships, to expand services locally.

 

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The University of Central Florida is offering collaborative opportunities to help Apopka residents strengthen their language and digital literacy skills.

Jennifer Desalvo Hadad, UCF’s Director of Business Partnerships & Community Initiatives, appeared virtually during the February 18 City Council meeting to present the UCF Global workforce initiative.

 

 

“We serve as the international hub for the university, so in addition to providing all of those traditional services, such as Study Abroad visas for international community students and scholars on campus, we also provide a multitude of services and programs to the community,” Desalvo explained.

 

What is the program for?

 

As part of UCF’s commitment to make Central Florida’s workforce a priority, UCF Global developed its Community English Program in response to workforce and digital-literacy gaps identified through university data and regional research.

 

According to research presented by the Orlando Economic Partnership, 57% of businesses report difficulty recruiting workers, and 60% say applicants have skill gaps.

Desalvo said approximately 24% of the local population lacks employable skills, with language and digital literacy ranking as the top two barriers. The program is designed to address both.

 

Classes run year‑round in either eight‑week or twelve‑week sessions, meeting four hours per week. Instruction focuses on practical, everyday English needed for living and working, with digital literacy and workforce skills integrated into lessons.

 

Course offerings include general community English, employer-customized classes, and specialized short courses such as DMV test preparation. The program also hosts free “empowerment” workshops covering health, financial literacy, civic engagement, and technology to help residents upskill and connect with local resources.

 

Classes are held in neighborhood spaces such as community centers, churches, and schools, or directly at employer sites, to reduce transportation and scheduling barriers.

 

”What we’re trying to do is remove those traditional barriers that hold people back from attending classes, making education accessible and affordable to all residents of the greater Orlando area.” Desalvo said.

 

The program has already seen some success.

 

Since 2022, the program has graduated 470 participants, with 60% employed upon completion. In the past year alone, community workshops have upskilled 352 residents.

 

What does the program need?

 

UCF Global is seeking city funding to expand the program locally. It costs approximately $250,000 per year to run three 12-week cycles serving up to 1,200 participants.

The university is also seeking support in building employer partnerships, coordinating in-kind space for classes, assisting with outreach and recruitment in Apopka, and collaborating on grant development.

 

Employers may partner directly with UCF to train workers at a cost of roughly $450 per participant. Courses can be held onsite and customized to meet specific workforce needs.

 

Community members can also contribute financially. According to the presentation:

 

  • $1,000 funds books for one session
  • $2,500 sponsors six students
  • $5,000 funds books for one cycle
  • $15,000 supports instruction for 11 instructors
  • $20,000 covers instructional support and books for one cycle
  • $50,000 funds administrative support
  • $100,000 covers one-third of operating expenses

Commissioners responded positively to the presentation, with Commissioner Nick Nesta calling the information “valuable.”

 

“We’ll be reaching out for sure.” Commissioner Nesta said.

 

Key Points:

Workforce Need: 57% of businesses report difficulty recruiting workers; 60% cite skill gaps. Language and digital literacy are the top barriers.

• Program Structure: Eight-week and 12-week sessions, four hours per week, year-round instruction in community locations or at employer sites.

• Proven Results: Since 2022, 470 graduates; 60% employed upon completion. 352 residents upskilled through workshops in the past year.

• Cost to Operate: Approximately $250,000 annually to run three 12-week cycles serving up to 1,200 participants.

• Employer Partnership Option: Customized onsite training available at roughly $450 per participant.

UCF Global,


Apopka workforce development,


Community English Program,


digital literacy training,


Apopka City Council,


workforce skills gap,


employer partnerships



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