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Global Learning Center

  • Students working on a laptop
  • Students at NOVA Day
  • NOVA Students at Graduation
  • Students at NOVA Day

The Manassas Campus Global Learning Center wants to help you achieve your career and educational goals, while providing you personal growth and enrichment opportunities.

In partnership with area organizations, we offer informative workshops on a variety of topics such as immigration; the Dream Act; how to register and pay for classes at NOVA; Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) initiatives; pre-employment information and more.

In Prince William County, between 2010 and 2013, the Hispanic population grew by 244.3%, Asian/Pacific Islanders grew by 211.9%; African-Americans increased by 76.2% and Whites increased by 47.9%. The percentage of foreign born immigrants has doubled since 2000. In view of these changing demographics, and in accordance with the Manassas Campus’ diversity plan and mission statement, “to provide access to high quality and affordable educational opportunities that positively impact the diverse community and workforce in and beyond our region”, the NOVA-Manassas Campus established what has become an award-winning innovative practice.

Engagement with the community is a core value of the college’s diversity plan. The NOVA-Manassas Global Learning Center Advisory Board was established to provide ongoing input from community partners, including the Hispanic Organization for Leadership and Action (HOLA), Prince William County Faith Community, Catholic Charities HOGAR Immigrant Services, the League of Latin American Citizens (LULAC), business and industry representatives and the Presidents of the Virginia Hispanic, Asian, and Black Chambers of Commerce. Hence, with the support of these resources, the Global Learning Center is fully engaged in initiating a variety of innovative programs and activities designed to address immediate needs while providing ongoing access and support for every culturally and linguistically diverse Prince William County resident.

Activities range from conducting workshops at the Manassas Mall focused on job search, developing a winning resume and effective interviewing skills, to exploring curriculum models (ex. PLUGGED-IN-VIRGINIA) that develop digital literacy skills, 21st century skills, and professional soft skills to prepare Hispanic Day Laborers for employment in the construction industry as they complete their GED® credential, Career Readiness Certificate (CRC), and industry-recognized certificate; to coordinating with NOVA’s Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Specialist, NOVA’s International Student Advisors, the local Workforce Investment Board (SkillSource Career Services Center located on the NOVA-Manassas Campus), and community based ESL providers to address the challenges experienced by the increasing number of immigrants with degrees from abroad; including addressing questions such as:

  • What are all the strategies immigrants with degrees/credentials can pursue to obtain credit for prior learning abroad?
  • What English Language training programs are available to this population?
  • How can immigrants with degrees/credentials obtain employment in their area of expertise?
  • What funding exist to help immigrants with a need to pay for their transcripts to be evaluated and/or credit for prior learning experiences obtained abroad?

Allisha Abraham, Prince William County Economic Development

Sindy Benavides, League of Latin American Citizens (LULAC) – National Office

Maria Burgos-Singleton, PWC Public Schools, Global Learning and Culturally Responsive Instruction

Dr. D. R. Butler, President, Black Chamber of Commerce (Northern Virginia)

Carlos Castro, Sr., CEO, TODOS

Dr. Ia Gomez, Assistant Dean of Science, NOVA Manassas

Brooke Hammond Perez, Catholic Charities Hogar Immigrant Services

Ileana LaTorre-Krum, Pastor, One Mind Presbyterian Church, Hispanic Ministry

Keila Louzada, NOVA-Workforce Development Division, ACLI/ESL

Sara Mendoza de Granja, NOVA-Manassas Adjunct Faculty, Science

Donna Mostek, Prince William County Public Schools Adult Education

Diana Paguaga, Community Representative – PWC Chamber, Hispanic Council

Karla Quiroz, SkillSource Career Services Center on the NOVA-Manassas Campus

Marianne Racca, Beacon for Adult Literacy

Gilbert Sanchez, Virginia Employment Commission – Prince William County

Jason Sanchez, NOVA-Manassas Student

Dr. Keith Savage, Pastor, 1st Baptist Church of Manassas

Cindy Shao, President, Asian American Chamber of Commerce (Northern Virginia)

Dr. William Woodard, Associate Professor and Program Head of ESL, NOVA-Manassas

Michel Zajur, President and Founder, The Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

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