La Plaza de Encuentro Gathering Place

Program Overview

Encuentro's mission ensures that opportunities for advancement are available to all New Mexico residents by providing low-income Spanish speaking Latino immigrants with educational and career development opportunities that promote social and economic justice. Each year,over 300 Latino immigrant adult workers enroll in essential adult basic education and career development opportunities to facilitate preparation and successful integration into the US workforce. Encuentro's
course offerings include:
· English as a Second Language (ESL) - basic, intermediate, advanced

· ESL for Citizenship

· Computer Literacy - level 1, level 2, digital media tools

· High School Equivalency (formerly GED) in Spanish

· Small Business Development

· Financial Literacy

· Home Health Aide (HHA) Certification

Our Small Business Development supports aspiring immigrant entrepreneurs and our nationally recognized Home Health Aide Certification program, developed in collaboration with Central NM Community College, is helping to address the workforce development needs of one of NM's fastest growing industries, by providing accessible and quality training to immigrants, who
nationally comprise over 40% of this vital workforce.

At Encuentro, students finds a high-quality learning environment that builds essential literacy and workforce skills. All programs are culturally appropriate and accessible to low literacy audiences using evidence-based practice and professional instructors to deliver a tailored curriculum and hands-on activities to optimize learning outcomes for all students, regardless of their level of formal education. Essential wraparound services - childcare, case management, community navigation supports, matched savings programs, and access to immigration legal services - are crucial to student success.