How can I get general information sent to me?
Email us at education@nlei.org
Which scholarships are available?
Email us at education@nlei.org
Can I get financial aid?
NLEI’s Financial Aid Office will assist you in obtaining financial aid for which you may be eligible. Please contact us for more details.
Why should I choose the National Latino Education Institute?
Affordable! The National Latino Education Institute offers a quality education at an affordable price.
Less than a year! Most of the credentialed programs are completed in less than a year. Imagine entering the career of your choice so quickly.
Credentialed Instructors! Faculty members are highly qualified and are certified in the areas they are teaching. Your teachers are committed to helping students learn.
Morning and Afternoon classes! Flexible class scheduling allows you to choose when to take classes—contact us for more information.
Job Placement Services! NLEI is dedicated to making sure all students succeed. NLEI cannot guarantee employment, but NLEI is committed to making every effort to assist students with obtaining employment.
Is the admission process at National Latino Education Institute selective?
Yes, the admission process at NLEI is selective. Generally, applicants for the training center must demonstrate that they will be able to benefit from the vocational training programs and/or adult continuing education classes in which they are enrolled.
Is the ACT needed for admission?
No. You will take placement tests to determine the appropriate level in Reading, Mathematics Computation, Applied Mathematics, and Language. The results of the tests are considered in making the admission decision.
How much is tuition?
Please email us at education@nlei.org for more information on tuition. Our tuition is very affordable compared to other schools, as well as, we have financial aid and potential scholarships available for those who qualify.
When do programs start?
Applications for NLEI programs are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year. Please contact us for the next program available.
Is an interview required for admission in vocational programs?
Yes, a personal interview with the designated Program Personnel is required for enrollment into our vocational programs. During these interviews, the training programs, the school’s and applicant’s expectations, rules and requirements, and the applicant’s interest and career goals are discussed.
Can I enroll to a vocational training program without a High School or GED credentials?
A high school diploma or GED certificate is required for vocational training programs. NLEI offers GED Classes for prospective students.
I am 18 years old; can I apply for these programs?
Yes, all applicants for training and education classes and programs must be at least 18 years of age.
Do I need to register for the information sessions?
No, registration is not required. Walk-ins are welcome.
I want to enroll, but I’m not sure what to do first.
Please email us at education@nlei.org to set up an appointment.
What is the specific goal of these vocational programs?
The specific goal of the vocational training programs is to prepare applicants for employment or to enhance their employability. Job placement is the desired outcome of all programs, and job placement services are available free of charge to applicants.
What does NLEI offer?
- Nationally Accredited Post-Secondary Workforce Training
Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), and approved by the Illinois State Board of Education and the U.S. Department of Education, NLEI is providing Chicago’s Latino community with exceptional workforce education programs offering industry-recognized certificates for in-demand careers.
Bilingual Certified Medical Assistant- This 40 week program prepares students for work as Medical Assistant. The program has additional, specialized accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) – the only CAAHEP accredited certificate program in Chicago.
Medical Office Specialist- This program prepares graduates to work in entry-level positions in a variety of health care office jobs such as medical office assistant, secretary, receptionist, insurance billing, medical transcriber, administrative assistant, and medical records clerk. This program includes electronic medical records training as well as an externship.
Business Development Professional- With 30 weeks of intensive training, students are provided specialized courses needed for customer service and sales related positions in almost any industry. An externship allows students to apply skills acquired in their classes at some of the city’s largest companies.
- Additional Non-Credentialed Allied Health Programs:
Phlebotomy – This program extrapolates the phlebotomy component of the Bilingual Certified Medical Assistant program to create a shorter-term training program ideal for incumbent workers or those seeking to enter the healthcare field. This program prepares graduates to become phlebotomists in today’s competitive healthcare environment. Students also complete an externship.
- Adult Education
GED Preparation – GED prep courses offer students basic reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and Constitution instruction at varying levels for the adult in preparation for the GED exam
Business and Technology Courses – These courses are designed for adult learners who wish to prepare for the changing job market, engage in lifelong learning, and wish to enhance their technology skills or prepare for a job search.
Community Technology Centers – Instruction in Spanish utilizing Microsoft Unlimited Potential software to assist in bridging the digital divide.
Academic Skills Enhancement –These courses reinforce the basic foundational skills of mathematics, English, Reading, Writing, Science and Social Studies along with basic technology skills and prepare individuals for post-secondary education.
English Language Acquisition – Contextualized English courses are designed for adults regardless of educational background and address the literacy, English, and citizenship needs of Latinos.
Community Employment Services – NLEI’s Community Employment Services provide an array of training and placement opportunities in businesses large and small throughout the Chicagoland area. For nearly four decades, NLEI has been placing community and NLEI graduates in jobs while also assisting employers in developing a diverse and highly-skilled workforce.
Where are you located?
2011 West Pershing Road, Chicago, IL 60609
What is the mission of NLEI?
NLEI exists to enhance the quality of life for Latinos through educational, vocational and employment services, and through advocacy, thus enabling the achievement of economic independence.
What is the National Latino Education Institute?
The National Latino Education Institute (NLEI) was founded as the Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc. in 1972. NLEI is a community-based 501 (c)(3) organization established in response to the Latino community’s urgent need for high quality skills training and fair employment opportunities. Since that time, NLEI has continued to grow and expand its services to reflect the diverse needs of the Latino community.