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The Educational Programs of the Latino Learning Center, Inc.

Carmen Maria Montiel

An award-winning television journalist, Carmen Maria Montiel has served as a judge for the Miss Houston contestants for the Miss Texas USA pageant and as the master of ceremonies for Bielina’s Catering’s fifth anniversary celebration, among other presentation roles. Carmen Maria Montiel gives back to her community through charitable work with UNICEF and the Latino Learning Center (LLC), Inc.

Based in Houston, Texas, the Latino Learning Center, Inc. started in 1979. A nonprofit community center, it provides a number services for the area’s disabled and elderly populations, from educational opportunities to senior daycare and housing. One of the most successful organizations of its type in the country, the LLC offers several 12-week educational programs in both English and Spanish to meet the needs of recent immigrants and the community at large.

One of the Latino Learning Center’s core educational courses, English as a Second Language, covers topics ranging from listening and conversation to business and social communication skills. The other two courses focus on vocational skills to ensure students are eligible for entry-level positions in residential air conditioning, electricity, or refrigeration. The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration programs consist of a first six weeks that covers relevant theory topics and a second six weeks that addresses safety rules and wiring procedures. The Residential Electricity program includes safety training, demonstrations, and hands-on learning under an instructor’s supervision. Regardless of the program, LLC graduates earn higher wages in positions that give them the possibility of advancement to help them contribute to the local economy.