For many adult English language learners in Westchester County, mastering a new language is only part of the journey. Securing stable employment, earning industry-recognized credentials and building confidence in the workplace are equally important steps toward long-term success.
Southern Westchester BOCES’ Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) hospitality certificate program is designed to do all three. By combining English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction with hospitality workforce training and certification through the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI), the no-cost program equips adult learners with practical language skills and career-ready credentials in one streamlined course.
“This is a New York State Education Department initiative to help ESL students achieve a recognized credential while learning English,” says Maria E. Guerrero, the supervisor of adult education at Southern Westchester BOCES. “Students are eager to learn the specifics of hospitality training in order to get a job in the industry. They see a purpose in learning English.”
The program, open to adults age 21 and older with an intermediate ESL level, has already proven highly successful. During the 2024-25 fiscal year, 235 students completed the program. This year, the program has 210 students participating. According to New York State Education Department data, Southern Westchester BOCES achieved a 100% post-test rate and a 91% educational gain rate.
For many participants, the appeal lies in the dual benefit: improving English literacy while also preparing for immediate employment opportunities.
A Practical Path to Employment
Hospitality remains one of the largest and most accessible employment sectors, encompassing food and beverage, lodging, tourism, transportation, entertainment, and recreation. Southern Westchester BOCES developed the program to help adult learners gain entry into these industries while strengthening communication skills essential for career advancement.
Through AHLEI’s START curriculum, students can earn certifications in three tracks: certified breakfast attendant, certified guest room attendant, and certified restaurant server. Each course requires 40 hours of instruction and focuses on both technical and interpersonal skills.
Students training as breakfast attendants learn food safety, proper food handling, allergen awareness, and breakfast service presentation. Guest room attendant certification focuses on cleaning procedures, chemical safety, housekeeping security, and workplace organization. Restaurant server certification teaches menu knowledge, guest interaction, beverage and meal service, and billing procedures.
Beyond technical knowledge, Guerrero says students also develop transferable workplace skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, time management, hazard awareness, and industry professionalism.
“Hospitality means extending a welcome to guests or offering a home away from home,” Guerrero says. “These are skills students can apply in many sectors.”
Inside the Classroom
A typical class session is split evenly between ESL instruction and hospitality training. For the first 90 minutes, ESL instructors introduce industry vocabulary, reinforce grammar, and build conversational English skills related to hospitality settings. The second half focuses on technical hospitality curriculum and computer-based training, Guerrero notes.
This integrated approach allows students to immediately apply language lessons to workplace scenarios, making learning more relevant and practical than traditional ESL classes alone.
“Students are committed to obtaining a recognized credential,” Guerrero says. “Because the credential has no cost, it removes barriers while giving them something concrete to work toward.”
Community Impact
Southern Westchester BOCES partners with The Community Resource Center in Mamaroneck, expanding outreach to immigrant and adult learner communities who may benefit most from the program.
Graduates often pursue customer service and hospitality roles in hotels, restaurants, events, tourism, and transportation. However, the broader impact extends beyond employment. By pairing English literacy with workforce preparation, the program helps participants gain confidence, independence, and greater economic mobility, Guerrero shares.
For many adult learners, the free education is transformative as they are often balancing family responsibilities, financial pressures, and language barriers.
Looking Ahead
With more than 200 participants and strong state outcomes, Southern Westchester BOCES plans to continue and expand its mission of serving adults who need both ESL support and career pathways.
As industries across Westchester continue seeking skilled service workers, programs like IELCE offer a model for how adult education can evolve to meet workforce needs while empowering communities.
“This credential gives students the tools to navigate hospitality and customer service industries,” Guerrero observes. “It’s about helping them build a future.”
Next Steps
Community members interested in enrolling in Southern Westchester BOCES’ hospitality certificate program can contact the Adult Education program at 914.937.3829 or 914.637.1936.
For adults hoping to strengthen their English, earn a nationally recognized hospitality credential, and expand their career options, Southern Westchester BOCES’ hospitality certificate program offers a powerful next step. Beyond education, it provides a pathway to economic opportunity and long-term success.
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