Hispanic Outreach Program

The Hispanic Outreach Program (HOP) is a service-learning effort that brings together CELTS, several community organizations, and the Department of Foreign Languages at Berea College. HOP aims to build bridges among the Spanish-speaking and English-speaking residents of Madison County.

Berea College student volunteers offer translation services, as well as Spanish classes at local elementary schools and English as a Second Language (ESL) tutoring for Spanish-speaking adults. The Hispanic Outreach program also offers Adult Spanish classes in partnership with Madison County Public Library at Berea and Spanish classes at the Child Development Lab.

“Through working with HOP, my language skills have improved through speaking Spanish as I learn it. Working with HOP and the Hispanic community has changed me as a person and set the course of my career.” – Jessica E. Brown, ‘12

As more and more speakers of Spanish have moved to the area, Madison County schools, agencies, and public institutions have been challenged to meet the needs of the community. Students with Spanish-language skills, or those who want to develop their Spanish-speaking abilities, are encouraged to volunteer.