Education Without Barriers: Learning Meets Opportunity

Adult literacy

Long Beach County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

The founders of Casa Guerrero en California identified a pressing need for accessible, culturally responsive literacy programs tailored to adult learners in immigrant communities. These individuals were unable to attend school in their home countries, resulting in limited reading and writing skills in any language. Upon arriving in the U.S. to build a better future, they faced significant barriers to economic mobility and advancement into leadership or higher-paying roles. This educational gap not only restricted opportunities but also contributed to harmful stereotypes that confined immigrants and refugees to low-wage, low-skill jobs. In response, Casa Guerrero en California was established to bridge this divide by offering free, bilingual literacy programs that promote dignity, empowerment, and opportunity. Our goal is to equip learners with the skills necessary to access better jobs, advocate for themselves and their families, and actively participate in their communities.

Founded in 2011, Casa Guerrero en California was established to provide accessible literacy education to immigrant communities, fostering confidence, personal growth, and lifelong learning. We are proudly certified as a Plaza Comunitaria by the Mexican Consulate General in Los Angeles, offering primary and secondary education through Mexico’s Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP) in partnership with INEA (Instituto Nacional para la Educación de los Adultos). This partnership enables adult learners—regardless of country of origin—to earn an official certificate of completion, validating their educational advancement. As community needs evolved, so did our services. Casa Guerrero expanded its programming to include English as a Second Language classes, bilingual GED prep courses, and U.S. civics classes to support individuals preparing for the U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Test. We also introduced vocational enrichment opportunities such as floral design, self-makeup, and crafts classes to support entrepreneurial skill-building. In addition, we provide financial literacy workshops covering topics such as money management, retirement planning, and real estate education. Today, Casa Guerrero en California’s mission reflects a holistic approach to empowerment through education. By equipping marginalized communities with the tools for both personal and professional development, we strive to foster lifelong learning and create pathways to equity, inclusion, and opportunity.

As a result of Casa Guerrero en California’s commitment to equitable education and community empowerment, Los Angeles County will experience a more engaged, skilled, and inclusive population. Since 2012, with our first graduating class, we have had the privilege of serving over 1,000 students—that’s more than 1,000 empowered families whose lives have been transformed through education. By providing access to bilingual literacy programs, vocational training, and culturally responsive instruction, immigrant and underserved communities are better equipped to pursue economic mobility, civic participation, and personal growth. This ripple effect not only enhances the well-being of individual learners and their families, but also strengthens the county’s workforce, fosters cross-cultural understanding, and contributes to building a more resilient and prosperous society. Our strategic plans include increasing access to technology for digital literacy, and scaling our model across L.A. county.