Seminar to Help Foreign-Educated Immigrants Advance in Their Careers Is Set for March 28 at Community College of Philadelphia

Contact: Linda Wallace, 215-751-8082, liswallace@ccp.edu

 

Philadelphia, PA. - The story of the engineer from India driving a taxicab, or the nurse from Mexico working as a nanny— has become all too familiar. Foreign-educated immigrants often struggle to find jobs in this country that match their prior education and experience obtained in their home country. An estimated 2.7 million college-educated immigrants in this country are unemployed or under-employed, according to the Migration Policy Institute. Now the Institute for Community Engagement and Civic Leadership at Community College of Philadelphia is teaming up with Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians, World Education Services (WES) and the Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education (CCCIE) to address this problem.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and Donald Guy Generals, president of Community College of Philadelphia, will speak at the event, Pathways to Success for Immigrants, which will be held at Community College of Philadelphia (1700 Spring Garden Street, Winnet Student Life Building – Great Hall, (Room S2-19) on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. Guests can RSVP to institute@ccp.edu.

The program will provide information and resources to help skilled immigrants pursue further education, obtain professional licensing or certification, and find suitable employment in the U.S. The event is free, and is open to all current and recent immigrant students; as well as community residents who may want guidance on steps to take in order to move into their area of training. College and community-area counselors and socials services staff who work with immigrants, will also learn how they can advise their clients more effectively.

With over 30,000 students and more than 1,400 faculty, administrative and support staff, Community College of Philadelphia is the largest public institution of higher education in Philadelphia and the sixth largest in Pennsylvania. The College offers over 70 degree and certificate programs, as well as evening and weekend classes, and classes online. It’s new Institute for Community Engagement and Civic Leadership, which is a sponsor, seeks to foster a culture of engagement and collaboration that promotes experiential learning and capitalizes on the strengths of students, faculty, staff and partners to make an impact social justice issues.

The Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians was founded in 2003 and its mission is to accelerate immigrant integration through education, training, employment and entrepreneurship. To date, the organization has helped more than 15,000 people from 140 countries around the world connect to opportunity in the Philadelphia region.

World Education Services is an accredited non-profit organization with over 30 years’ experience evaluating foreign credentials so they are understood and fully recognized in the U.S. The Global Talent Bridge initiative helps skilled immigrants fully utilize their talents and education in the U.S. and provides technical assistance and resources to organizations that advise highly qualified immigrants.

Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education is a national network of community colleges and other organizations committed to expanding and strengthening programs for immigrant students at community colleges nationwide. Activities include: raising visibility of immigrant education issues, sharing best practices, and advocacy. Palm Beach State College is a member of CCCIE.