Making English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) More Accessible
The ESOL for Working Adults program makes language learning more accessible to employees in the International Drive area, the heart of Central Florida’s tourism district. Instruction is paid for by Orange County. Participating employers host classes onsite or nearby and compensate employees during their time in class, addressing key accessibility issues of time away from work, and additional transportation, childcare, and costs. Instruction is offered in-person or hybrid (online and in-person) for two hours, twice each week, tailored to participants’ language skill levels. Participants in hybrid learning are provided digital devices to access to an online platform.
A pilot conducted in partnership with Rosen Hotels & Resorts, IMA Medical Group, and Paramount Hospitality Management indicated gains in Listening, Speaking, Grammer, and Vocabulary. Sponsoring employers noted improvement in employee morale and confidence in guest interactions. Summary of Pilot Findings
Based on the success of this pilot, Orange County Government is expanding the program beginning in January 2024 to additional employers, with funding support from the I-Drive Community Redevelopment allocation for workforce and economic development programs. Employers outside of the CRA may choose to collaborate directly with our program partners to extend this benefit.
ESOL for Working Adults is the first of several programs being considered to help employers address talent shortages, and to provide the nearly 90,000 workers in the area with improved access to income opportunities. To learn more about the CRA, visit the International Drive Community Redevelopment Agency website.
Participating I-Drive CRA employers as of November 2023
- Rosen Hotels & Resorts
- Paramount Hospitality Management
- Hilton Orlando
- Orange County Convention Center
Participating employers outside I-Drive CRA as of November 2023
- Amazon
- Gaylord Palms Resort, Orlando
- Greater Orlando Airport Authority
Program Partners
How To Participate
Employers:
For more information on how employers can participate in the program, contact:
Renuka Sastri
Orange County Economic Trade & Tourism Development
Orange County Government Administration Center
201 S. Rosalind Ave., 5th Floor
Orlando, FL 32801
Email: ESOLPilot@ocfl.net
Orange County Residents:
You may contact your employer and have them reach out to the Orange County Economic Trade & Tourism Development at ESOLPilot@ocfl.net or explore several options available in the community:
ENGLISH | ESPANOL | CREOLE