 | | Over the past twenty five years, Saint Paul has become a prime resettlement destination for refugees and immigrants from around the world. |
A Community In Transition
Saint Paul, Minnesota is a community of over 287,000 residents in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Over the several decades, the city has become a resettlement destination for refugees and immigrants from around the world. As many as 75,000 Hmong from Southeast Asia live in and around the city. Many Somalis, Vietnamese, Cambodians, Laotians, and others also call the city home.
In recent years, many refugees have arrived from Somalia, Ethiopia, and other parts of Africa, as well as the former Soviet Union. Latinos have emmigrated from other parts of the U.S. and foreign countries. In late 2005-2006, several thousand Hmong who had lived for many years on the grounds of Wat Tham Krabok in Thailand arrived in St. Paul. The internationally known Center for Victims of Torture draws additional refugees. Significant numbers of Karen refugees from Thai refugee camps are currently arriving.
New Americans contribute greatly to the cultural, economic, and artistic life of Saint Paul. At the same time, they bring many needs related to learning English, obtaining employment, and accessing basic human services.
History of SPCLC
Three years of intensive planning and preparation for a Community Literacy Collaborative began in 1992. Bridges were built between community-based non-profits and the St. Paul Public Schools. Emphasis was placed on establishing trust between the members. Learning about the diverse adult learners served by various programs, and  | | SPCLC utilizes technology to help adult learners. This Functional Work English student is learning to use a laptop computer. |
the needs of these groups, was also central to the effort.
Implementation began in May 1995. Initial programs included improvements in the information and referral system for adult learners; development of consistent ESL standards; provision of computers, e-mail, and Internet access for all members; a citywide volunteer recruitment campaign; development of citizenship preparation programs for refugees and immigrants; and creation of Functional Work English to help non-English speakers on public assistance.
In July 1998, the Collaborative reorganized as the Saint Paul Community Literacy Consortium. This enabled many non-profit provider members to access Minnesota Department of of Children, Families and Learning Adult Basic Education (ABE) funding for the first time, providing resources to further improve and expand services. In the past several years, SPCLC has focused strongly on quality assurance and achievement of solid educational outcomes for all learners. Emphasis on technology has continued, including completion of a significant federally funded Community Technology Center project which allowed expansion of community technology access points and resources at several St. Paul locations. SPCLC has also become increasingly active in public policy, advocating at the State and federal levels for the needs of adult learners and their families. SPCLC is currently expanding and strengthening workforce and related programming, including the Work Readiness Credential.
Download a PowerPoint overview of SPCLC
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