Bellevue,
25
August
2021
|
10:18 AM
America/Chicago

Public Invited to Celebrate New 'Plaza Comunitaria' at September 17 Open House

New Learning Space and Program by Bellevue University in Coordination with the Consulate of Mexico Addresses Education Gap for Spanish-Speaking Adults

Bellevue University and the Consulate of Mexico in Omaha will celebrate the opening of a new Plaza Comunitaria learning space and program for Spanish-speaking adults with an open house at the university’s main Bellevue campus at 1000 Galvin Road on Friday, Sept. 17, from 5-7 p.m.

A Plaza Comunitaria (Community Plaza) is a community space offering free online educational curriculum in Spanish. The curriculum is created by the Mexican National Institute of Adult Education (INEA) and helps Hispanic individuals learn to read and write in their native language and earn official educational certificates and diplomas from the Mexican government. 

The program primarily serves older teens and adults who have not yet completed elementary education. 

According to Mexican Head Consul Guadalupe Sánchez Salazar, “The new Bellevue University Plaza Comunitaria will help close the education gap for Spanish-speaking adults in Nebraska and Iowa. Students will have the opportunity to pursue their education and strengthen their reading, writing, technology and communication skills.” 

Sánchez Salazar added that there are 253 Plaza Comunitarias in 35 states. The Bellevue University Plaza Comunitaria program will be the first on a university campus in Nebraska. Other Plaza Comunitarias are offered through the Latino Center of the Midlands, Completely Kids, El Museo Latino and Boys Town. “This concept has been shown to be successful across the country and we’re confident it will be here in the Midwest, as well,” said Sánchez Salazar.

Bellevue University Plaza Comunitaria classes will be held two to three evenings per week at the university’s main campus in Bellevue. All classes, programming and online access will be free for participants. The Mexican Consulate of Omaha and Bellevue University will provide support and information about the program to Spanish-speaking communities in the Consulate’s service area.

“We are excited to partner with the Mexican Consulate on the new Plaza Comunitaria program because we know this program will change learners’ futures,” said Bellevue University President Dr. Mary Hawkins. “Supporting working adult learners and opening the door to lifelong learning helps individuals, their families and our community.”

Those interested in Bellevue University Plaza Comunitaria classes can sign up and receive assistance signing up at the open house on Sept. 17 or contact Socorro Carrera, Global Partnerships Specialist and Education Orientation Window Coordinator at the Mexican Consulate, at scarrera@bellevue.edu or at 402-557-5203.

The open house event, which is part of the university’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, will also feature a tour of the new Bellevue University Plaza Comunitaria space, refreshments and music.

 

About Bellevue University

Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with more than 60,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everywhere online with more than 80 degree programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).