New Americans (includes Immigrants, Refugees, Foreign-born, English Language Learners)
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In the US, immigrants and refugees are more likely to be working-age than their US-born counterparts and more likely to be active in the workforce. Many companies are turning to "New Americans" (we prefer this term as it denotes any foreign-born person capable of work regardless of how long they have lived in the U.S., their immigration status or their language proficiency) to meet their talent needs.
A long-standing perception among some corporate leaders is that English fluency is required for job success--however, many critical roles can still be filled by New Americans who are in the process of learning the English language. In addition, local New Americans can have a wide range of English proficiencies, skill levels, education levels and work experiences.
Below are local service providers serving this population, best practices, employer resource guides and a primary point of contact for accessing these South Central Kentuckians.
Local Point of Contact for New American Workforce Programs & Services:
Alexa Hatcher, New American Workforce Navigator 270-745-3908 Email Alexa
Employment Services Providers
Best Practices for Employers (Online Resources)
Best Practices for Employers (Online Resources)
Communicating with LEPs: 5 Steps to Improving Communications with Limited English Proficient Individuals
Bridging Language and Work: Solutions to Invest in Immigrant and Refugee Talent
Guidebook to Fostering Inclusion for Refugee Employees: An Employer’s Guide
Infographic: Understand the US Immigration System & Statuses
Interpretation / Document Translation / Cultural Competency Providers (Fee-based Services)
Interpretation / Document Translation / Cultural Competency Providers (Fee-based Services)
Interpretation and Translation Services
BG Interpreter Network (Website)
The Interpreter Network includes individuals who have been through a 40-hour interpreting training and who operate as independent, free-lance paid interpreters in the community. One-time or ongoing opportunities can be posted on the Facebook Group page for the members to respond.
Group Administrator and Local Contact: Heath Ray Email Heath
The International Center of Kentucky (Website)
Contact: Samra Bekan, Employment Program Manager, (270) 302-2549 Email Samra
Cultural Competency Training Providers
Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College (SKYCTC) Workforce Solutions (Website)
We have designed services and training opportunities to increase economic development in our region. From industrial maintenance and team building to computer robotics instruction and continuing education for those licensed in technical careers, we provide excellent training services to employees of all trades to upgrade their skills. Customized training for employers is also available.
Local Contact: Kim Myers, Dean of Workforce Solutions, (270) 901-4337, skyctcworkforce@kctcs.edu
Meriven Training and Consulting Contact via email
ESL, Workplace Literacy & Digital Literacy Providers
ESL, Workplace Literacy & Digital Literacy Providers
City of Bowling Green Community Engagement Division for Neighbors and New Americans
City of Bowling Green Community Engagement Division for Neighbors and New Americans
The Community Engagement Division serves to coordinate the City’s role in communicating and working effectively with the diverse international communities represented in Bowling Green and to advocate for Limited English Proficient persons who may seek City services. The Division offers several programs and initiatives for Bowling Green residents, including:
NaturalizeBG: Citizenship Fee Assistance
Academy for New Americans: A leadership training program designed to increase knowledge and access of City and community resources and build leadership and networking skills and capacity.
Amigos Resource Network: a networking group of leaders from the Hispanic/Latino community that meets every month. Register to receive the newsletter here
Contact: Leyda Becker, International Communities Liaison
270-393-3766 Email Leyda
Location: 707 E. Main Avenue, Bowling Green, KY 42101
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