Resources

Retail Customer Service prepares learners for entry-level retail careers by building customer service, cashiering, POS system, cash handling, workplace communication, and job-seeking skills through hands-on retail experience and employment readiness training.

College Readiness Navigation helps college-bound students build the knowledge and transition skills needed to successfully navigate higher education systems and thrive in a postsecondary learning environment.

This 120-hour Paraeducator Career Pathway course prepares learners for employment as paraeducators and other educational support professionals by developing the academic, workplace, and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in educational settings. Through instruction in classroom support, child development, behavior management, communication, professionalism, and working with diverse learners, participants gain practical experience and career readiness skills that support employment, postsecondary education, and advancement into related education and human services fields.

This 40-hour Community Interpreter course prepares participants to provide effective, ethical, and culturally responsive interpreting services in community settings. Through interactive learning activities, participants build skills in interpreting protocols, communication strategies, mediation, professional standards, advocacy, remote interpreting, and career development while applying national standards of practice to real-world scenarios.

The TEAS Exam Preparation Course is designed to help students effectively prepare for all four sections of the TEAS Exam: Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English & Language Usage. Throughout the course, students will become familiar with the structure and content of the exam, strengthen their critical thinking skills, and learn strategies to manage test-related anxiety. While the course aims to cover most topics found in the official study manual, it’s important to note that the exact questions on the TEAS Exam are computer-generated and cannot be predicted. | AUTHOR: Luke Kretchmer, International Institute of Minnesota

This 10-12 week online class will help prepare students for the Paraeducator Certification Exam. The exam is needed for those who do not have a two or four-year degree and would like to work in a school setting with Kindergarten to 12th grade students. The certification exam is an online multiple choice exam covering Reading, Writing and Math skills, including how to apply those skills in a classroom or school setting. | AUTHORS: Carlynn Miller-Gore and Macie Vaiphei, Hubbs Center

This course is designed to help students develop the skills needed to succeed in housekeeping and other entry-level hospitality or healthcare jobs in the U.S. These positions can serve as the first step in a long-term career pathway. Students will learn how to find and apply for jobs, communicate effectively with guests, coworkers, and supervisors, and build basic computer skills. The class also includes English reading and writing practice, as well as essential financial literacy to help manage money confidently. No prior experience required—just a willingness to learn and work hard! | AUTHOR: Lynn Thompson, International Institute of Minnesota

This course is designed to help students understand the basics of operating a small business. Students will write a business plan, research and design what it takes to start their own business. They will learn financial planning, marketing skills and gain knowledge of online sales. Students will also meet with small business owners from our community through guest speakers. In addition, learners will build customer service skills through operating the Hubbs store. Women Venture and Goodwill EasterSeals are partnering programs which will support students in their pursuit to small business ownership. | AUTHOR: Lia Olson, Hubbs Center

This is a ten to twelve week jobs class that focuses on the hard and soft skills needed to start on a career pathway in information technology. Students will have the opportunity to practice hands-on computer skills such as word processing, internet job search and getting a professional email address. They will practice English listening, speaking, writing and vocabulary skills while learning about the digital divide, computer history and how to buy a computer. They will gain soft skills necessary to talk to a career counselor about their goals, background and values to see if a career in IT is right for them. They will have an introduction to cover letters and resumes for IT careers. This class can serve as a preparation for the IT Tier 2 class where students will gain more in-depth knowledge about how computers work and the IT profession. | AUTHOR: Leah Myott, Hubbs Center

Retail Customer Service is a 6-week (48-hour) work readiness training program focused on preparing students for entry-level positions in retail environments, particularly cashiering. The curriculum emphasizes essential retail customer service skills, money handling, inventory tracking, and includes hands-on experience running a student store. Students will gain practical knowledge of U.S. payment methods, cash handling procedures, and use of a Point of Sale (POS) system. In addition to technical skills, the course builds foundational job-seeking abilities such as filling out applications, resume writing, and interview preparation. It also introduces American workplace norms, customer service vocabulary, and strategies for handling conflict, with special attention to culturally appropriate communication in Minnesota. || AUTHOR: Elizabeth Fontaine, International Institute of Minnesota

This class will focus on Technical Support Fundamentals, an online course in Coursera where students gain skills and knowledge of computer history, hardware and software, and understand basic IT career pathways. This class is for ELL level C1+ or any L1 learner. || AUTHORS: DJ Dahl and Adam Kieffer, Hubbs Center

This class prepares people for OSHA 10 Training. Explore careers in janitorial, warehouse, hospital. Learners will: Build vocabulary and skills related to building maintenance, customer service, workplace health and safety; develop Speaking, Listening, and Reading skills for entry level and advanced jobs in building maintenance and customer service; earn OSHA 10 Certificate for Industrial Safety; and have access to a Counselor who will help with applying for jobs St. Paul Public Schools, or other companies. || AUTHOR: Nancy Bjorn Nordeen, Hubbs Center

This course builds knowledge, skills, and confidence in standard American English with a focus on academic writing, reading, oral communication, and digital literacy. Critical language areas are integrated throughout the course to prepare students for college-level success. The novel A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park will serve as the core text for reading, writing, discussion, and project work. || AUTHOR: Elizabeth Fontaine, International Institute of MN

This course prepares Intermediate and Advanced ELLs for the MN Driver's Permit test with targeted English language practice. Learners will build vocabulary, reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills using the MN Driver's Manual, and gain the confidence and knowledge needed to pass the exam. || AUTHOR: Bethany Vaughn-Schreiter, Neighborhood House

This course is designed for Low Intermediate to High Intermediate ESL learners who are interested in gaining employment as a dietary aide in a hospital or long term care facility setting. Learners will view PowerPoints, videos, play games, to learn curriculum. The class also is built on an employer partnership with a hospital where a representative visits the class to discuss job openings, applying to jobs, and resume writing. The learners also take a fieldtrip to the hospital to tour the Nutrition Department. || AUTHOR: Denise Nusbaum, Central MN ABE

This course builds vocabulary and basic understanding of all aspects of the CNA role in a health-care setting. It also includes direct patient care skills such as assisting with activities of daily living (bathing, eating, elimination, etc.), vital signs, infection control, safety, etc. Each unit includes vocabulary and content activities, both in-class and options for online independent study. Each unit ends with a multiple-choice quiz on the vocabulary and content. At the end of the course, the students are given a comprehensive multiple-choice final exam. || AUTHOR: Kathy Bjornson, Hubbs Center/St. Paul ABE