Accelerated Career English Program (ACE)
Improve your English language skills to prepare for the next step in your career!
ACE is a career-focused English as Second Language (ESL) Instruction & Advising Program where you can start a new career in the U.S. or build upon your previous professional/work experience! The Accelerated Career English (ACE) program offers you opportunities to:
- Build your professional language skills
- Explore, determine, and advance on your career path
- Enter training, employment, or college
ACE classes include:
- English skills such as listening, speaking, reading, writing
- Computer skills (Canvas, Google Drive)
- Job readiness and a career portfolio including resume writing
- Job search and interview skills
- College preparation and workforce training
- Career coaching
This free program is open to adult English learners who live in Massachusetts and have high-intermediate or advanced English proficiency levels. Students should be unemployed or underemployed to participate in the program. U.S. work authorization is required.
Classes meet three times per week by Zoom. Each ACE course is 12 weeks long, and we will work with you upon conclusion until you meet your career and education goals.
Class Schedule
Fill out this program application form. A staff member will soon contact you to talk more about the program and schedule an assessment.
How long is the program?
How many hours a week should I commit to this course?
How big are classes?
What is the format of classes?
How do you help with resume-writing skills?
How do you prepare students for job interviews?
What if my schedule changed, and I needed to switch to night/morning classes?
How much does the program cost?
How do I know if I qualify?
How do I know if my English is good enough for this program?
How long is the program?
The program runs for 14 weeks.
How many hours a week should I commit to this course?
You should expect to devote about 10-12 hours a week in total, including class time and homework.
Here is why:
- There are three class sessions a week, each meeting for 2.5 hours.
- In addition, you will be assigned homework, which should take you between 2-4.5 hours a week.
- We know that most of you have busy family and professional lives, so we try to give several days to complete homework.
How big are your classes?
We usually have about eight to 12 students per class but never more than 16.
What is the format of your classes?
We offer engaging classes, where students work in pairs, small groups, or individually. We frequently use breakout rooms in Zoom.
How do you help with resume-writing skills?
First of all, we discuss what is expected of an effective resume nowadays and look at a variety of resume templates specific to student professional interests.
Next, we guide students through the resume writing process and assist in revising and editing student resumes. Every participant receives feedback from several teachers and an advisor.
How do you prepare students for job interviews?
We discuss the most common and the most challenging interview questions and get our students to practice answering them. We also have each participant take part in several mock interviews, some of which are recorded and later analyzed. The process continues until everyone feels more confident about their interview skills.
What if my schedule changed, and I needed to switch to night/morning classes?
We will do our best to help you transition right into the classes that best fit your schedule.
How much does the program cost?
The program is free because it is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
How do I know that I qualify?
To qualify, you need to satisfy the following requirements:
- Be a Massachusetts resident
- Be unemployed or underemployed (we'll help you determine this when you apply)
- Be authorized to work in the U.S
- Have high-intermediate or advanced English language proficiency
How do I know if my English is good enough for this program?
You can take a free online diagnostic test by filling out this form and scheduling an appointment with one of our recruiters.
"I attended remote ACE classes at HCC, and I couldn't ask for a better experience. The level of expertise, resources, and warm atmosphere during classes were fantastic. Well-structured, vibrant, productive, and memorable course. Amazing team of professionals that gave me the tools and great tips on how to start a new career path. Holding MS in chemical engineering, now I run my own florist business.
Thank you for education, inspiration, and continued support and friendship! If you want to learn from the best, ACE program at HCC is the place to go."
– Katya Silkina
"I remember that moment when I learned about the ACE program. I'd never heard that programs like this even exist. It's a very unique program because it combines English training and career coaching. Many people struggle in their new places of living without a job. It's difficult even to start looking because you don't feel confident due to lack of knowledge in different areas, such as English language, job and corporate culture, ways to find a new job, working in a team. You have a fear of an interview; your CV is not ready and you don't even know what a "cover letter" is. This program has changed my vision of the entire process of finding a job. I can also proudly say that my English language has grown significantly with our highly qualified teachers and instructors, who were patient but demanding. But ACE is not only about English; it's about career skills which you can use while you are looking for a job, which are helpful when you become a part of the working team. This knowledge will lead you through your career path the entire life."
– Anastasiya Yanchenko
"If you want to improve your English language skills, increase your competitiveness in the labor market, get a variety of new and high-quality information about different ways to get a job in Massachusetts, go to college, or choose a training program, you definitely need to join the ACE Program at Holyoke Community College. The ACE Program was the first educational course that I took in the U.S. It was a terrific and unbelievable experience for me to not only improve and develop my language skills but join an amazing community of fantastic people, outstanding Teachers and students. As a student, I got lots of valuable working tools to reach my original purposes in different spheres. Also, I want to emphasize the incredible atmosphere of each class with each Teacher of the ACE Program. All teachers are super supportive, highly qualified professionals, and amazing people. I greatly appreciate the experience that I got in the ACE Program."
– Svetlana Morozli
"From the bottom of my heart, I want to express my gratitude to ACE and its dedicated staff. I really loved this excellent educational program as it helped me a lot with my English. I improved my vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and speaking skill. ACE serves the unique and essential mission for non-American students to improve English language proficiency and to learn about American culture. Doing this by ourselves would take many years, but through ACE's warm, welcoming environment and its creative, positive, friendly, incredible staff, I was able to greatly accelerate this process. I found my experience with ACE to be remarkable and among my best moments during my stay-at-home time. The confidence and hope I have acquired will be with me throughout my life. Thank you so much ACE!"
– Olga L.
"Best English program I have ever had! It has helped me start up my career in the U.S. and enhanced self-confidence. Now, it even allows me to dare dream bigger! I can't appreciate how lucky I am to join this program!"
– Cindy Chang
We invite all current and former ACE students to sign up for extension classes, review upcoming events, share your successes and challenges, and get involved in the ACE alumni community at the ACE alumni website.
To learn more about the Accelerated Career English Program, find us on Instagram and Facebook.
View a program flyer.
Partner Referrals: We invite partner agencies to refer students to ACE by completing the ACE partner referral form.
This program is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Adult & Community Learning Services.
