Harper College will be closed Monday, December 23 through Wednesday, January 1 for Winter Break.
In the fall of 2016, Rose Numon enrolled in an English as a second language (ESL)
course. Originally from Uzbekistan, she was nervous about the language barrier as
she began her classes at the Education and Work Center (EWC) in Hanover Park. She was certainly apprehensive about speaking English in front of
other people.
But eight years later, Rose found herself speaking before elected officials and college presidents as she shared her EWC experience to celebrate the center’s 10th anniversary. Now 38, she talked about how EWC – a partnership between the Village of Hanover Park, Harper College, Elgin Community College, the State of Illinois and other organizations – had supported her with its friendly staff, encouraging faculty and welcoming environment.
In the intervening years as an EWC student, Rose’s proficiency in English grew along
with her confidence. Working as a tailor since she was 18, she began working with
clients who also spoke English. In 2019, she even started her own business, Rose Fashion
Design, in Elgin. She has since become one of EWC’s most enthusiastic cheerleaders,
referring multiple new students to the center’s classes and services. Her advice is
simple and direct.
“Don’t limit yourself,” Rose said, “no shame, focus on learning and think of your goals.”
Rose’s experience is just one example of EWC’s success during the past decade. The October 10 anniversary event at the center, 6704 Barrington Road, Hanover Park, highlighted the scores of first-generation immigrants who have built their English skills in ESL courses and celebrated dozens of students who have received their Illinois High School Diplomas with EWC support. Other speakers included Hanover Park Mayor Rod Craig, Rep. Fred Crespo, Harper President Avis Proctor and ECC Interim President Peggy Heinrich, who each acknowledged the daily difference that staff and instructors make in the lives of area residents who come to the center.
Mayor Craig shared his pride in EWC, which began as an idea to serve the large amount of first-generation immigrant families in Hanover Park and surrounding areas. Because the suburb sits on the boundary between Harper and ECC’s districts, Craig brought together leaders at the two colleges and partnered with the Illinois workNet Center and Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership to offer ESL courses and workforce support closer to home.
“I put my nose to the grindstone because I believe in education,” he reflected. “I believe first-generation families need to have opportunities to learn English.”
Given how well EWC has supported its communities, Craig was able to laugh at some
of the struggles along the way – from a leaky roof that rendered the space unusable
on opening day to rerouting a Pace bus line to connect the center with public transportation.
When it looked like a state law might prevent separate community colleges from working
together in one location, Rep. Crespo worked with EWC partners to ensure compliance
with regulations. He also secured a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce
and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to stock EWC with startup materials.
“When organizations collaborate with residents and stakeholders to improve the lives
of residents in their communities, it helps us build a path to a brighter future,”
Rep. Crespo said in a statement. “That’s why I’m proud of the role I was able to play
in getting the Education and Work Center its start. And as we celebrate its 10th anniversary this year, I’m also reaffirming my commitment to supporting the important
work of the EWC and organizations like it whose successful work helps lift up Illinois’
families and communities.”
EWC continues to lift up its communities, breaking records for enrollment in each of the past two academic years. In fiscal year 2024, the center served 762 students who come from more than 30 different countries. What’s more, EWC’s Senior Director Monika Gadek-Stephan said that for every enrolled student, the center serves two others. Staff help visitors with testing and job support while connecting others with outside services or educational opportunities at Harper, ECC or other institutions.
“We are a safe space. We are helpful, patient and resourceful,” said Gadek-Stephan, who is a Polish immigrant and has worked in adult education for nearly 30 years. “EWC’s mission is close to my heart. We’re not experts on everything, but if we don’t know, we will find out.”
One of EWC’s most recent projects was an effort to translate important work- and education-related
documents into English for 50 participants. The center expects to continue the project,
supported by DCEO funding, in fiscal year 2025 and serve even more students. Harper’s
Dr. Proctor highlighted the importance of this translation project.
“For these individuals, having diplomas, degrees, transcripts and professional development certificates from their home countries recognized is a game-changer, allowing them to move forward without starting over,” she said. “This holistic support and an unwavering commitment to develop paths to sustainable careers is what makes EWC so special for our community. EWC is a great resource that supports the vibrancy of our community on several dimensions!”
Dr. Proctor and ECC’s Dr. Heinrich both shared their optimism about EWC’s future –
noting that the center has a 5-year lease for the first time in its history. This
will allow the center an opportunity to grow and better plan to consistently support
its students and visitors.
“We are proud to celebrate this milestone with Harper College, the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, Village of Hanover Park and the local community,” Dr. Heinrich said. “The Education and Work Center has been a beacon of opportunity, helping residents achieve their educational and career goals. Together, we continue to expand access to life-changing resources and pathways to success.”