The RIC Workforce Development Hub

Two students taking blood pressure at the Workforce Development Hub

The RIC Workforce Development Hub is an economic, educational and health-centered engine for Central Falls and Blackstone Valley - bringing vital skills and training to its citizens and strengthening its community. Want to learn or partner with us?

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Central Falls - RIC  Workforce Hub

How the Hub Works

The Rhode Island College Workforce Development Hub works with community organizations as well as partners in education, government, healthcare, and industry to build the knowledge and skills of Rhode Islanders.

How to Participate

For Learners: ESL Classes

Students at The Hub in Central Falls

Our ESL classes are designed to improve students’ grammar, speaking, listening, writing and reading abilities for academic and professional purposes. We offer classes at several proficiency levels and classes typically start twice per year in the fall and spring.

In class, instructors use a variety of methods and techniques to meet students’ needs. Students will experience language learning through communicative and academic focused lessons. In each class, students are required to be actively involved in practicing their English with a variety of classroom activities including:

  • conversation practice
  • guided grammar practice
  • writing assignments
  • academic presentations
  • interactive class activities

For Learners: Certificate of Continuing Study (CCS) Programs (Training Programs)

CCS programs serve career, training and/or professional development needs in specific fields. The Hub offers the following CCS programs:

  • Medical Assistant Training | ESL Contextualized Medical Assistant Training (RI-Best)
  • ESL Contextualized Foundations in Community Health Worker Training (RI-Best)
  • Bookkeeping and Accounting

Learn more about these and all CSS programs offered by RIC

For Employer Partners and their Employees: Customized Training Programs

Through these programs, the Hub provides customized training for its partnering employers and their employees. These trainings are tailored to each employer and serve to address their specific workforce development needs. In this way, employers can truly get their employees the exact skills needed for their joint success.

Interested in Participating?

RIC Workforce Hub

Whether you're a community member looking to gain skills and training to better your future, or an employer interested in partnering, please reach out or visit us at 934 Dexter Street in Central Falls, RI 02863.

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More Background Info on the Hub

Goals 

  • not only meet but elevate RIC’s mission to serve the greater RI community
  • create an opportunity for our partnering employers to build a multilingual, health-centered and culturally competent workforce
  • provide job training, career, and college opportunities in high-demand fields for underserved urban citizens
  • aid and complement adult education and workforce development initiatives, programming and partnerships supported by the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner, as well as other adult education and workforce development initiatives in the region
  • increase experiential learning and research opportunities for RIC students and faculty

The Hub's partners include representatives from each of the following organizations:

  • Central Falls School District
  • City of Central Falls
  • Lifespan
  • Navigant Credit Union
  • Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner
  • Progreso Latino
  • Skills for Rhode Island’s Future
  • Thundermist

The foundation for the work being planned for the Hub started with the establishment of the Parent College program, part of the CF/RIC Innovation Lab, a unique initiative that provided educational opportunities to parents, family members and caregivers from Central Falls. By offering families a variety of classes and workshops, free childcare and a nutritious meal for all participants and children, The Parent College brought the community together, promoted additional growth and development, and positively contributed to children’s academic and social-emotional success. To date, this initiative has served over 200 families living in Central Falls with a waiting list of adults interested in accessing daytime programming.

In 2018, Rhode Island College President Frank D. Sánchez convened a group of business, educational, healthcare and governmental leaders to form the Central Falls/Rhode Island College Collective, working toward a shared vision to create an economic, educational and health-centered engine for the residents of Central Falls and the Blackstone Valley community. The City of Central Falls then submitted a grant (in partnership with Rhode Island College) to RI Housing and was approved for funding for 934 Dexter Street; a 22,000 square foot facility on .9 acres of land.

NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL

Rhode Island College entrance

Contact The Hub

Ms. Maria C. Vallejo

Coordinator

Workforce Development