New Graduates for the English Literacy Program

Napa, CA (May 6, 2022) – The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation, in partnership with Napa Valley Adult Education and their Workplace Training Institute, proudly announce the graduation of 27 students from the 2022 English Literacy Program. Now celebrating its 9th graduating class, the success of the 13-week English Literacy Program is in part due to the curriculum, which assists farmworkers with English and communication skills for the workplace.  The program offers a beginner and intermediate track, helping students to develop and improve everything from listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills to grammar and pronunciation – all using workplace vocabulary; since the launch of the program, 778 students have participated.

“The English Literacy Program has excellent teachers, and the program is taught 100% in English,” said Claudia Mendez Vazquez, team member at Frog’s Leap Winery and graduate of the intermediate-level track, “I appreciate the support, both economic and moral, because it motivates us to improve ourselves.”

The afternoon graduation ceremony, attended by family, friends, and employers, took place at Napa Valley Adult Education to honor the students’ completion of this important course and to recognize their personal commitment to continuing their education and excelling in the English language.

“We are extremely proud of these students’ commitment to education and completing their English literacy coursework. The road to graduation is a long one that is hard at many times - working in the vineyards and then attending classes at the end of the day, along with balancing family and community commitments, takes focus and persistence. They did it though because they know education provides opportunities. For these students, the future is a bright one. It’s our honor to celebrate their success,” remarked Arnulfo Solorio, Vice President of the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation Board of Directors and Chair of the Education Committee.

Once certificates were awarded, the celebration began – hugs and laughter were shared along with reminiscent stories about class assignments and their journey to graduation. In attendance were some of the graduates’ employers, who’ve been instrumental in supporting the continuing education quest. Employers who supported included: Chappellet Vineyard, Frog’s Leap Winery, Inglenook, Jackson Family Wines, Michael Wolf Vineyard Services, Opus One, Palmaz Vineyards, Promontory, Robert Biale Vineyards, Trefethen Family Vineyards, Walsh Vineyards Management, and Wicker Vineyards.

To learn more about the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation’s events and professional development programs, visit FarmworkerFoundation.org.

For press inquiries regarding the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation English Literacy Program, please email Caroline Keller, Marketing Manager, [email protected].