Latino Academy of Workforce Development

What Latino Academy of Workforce Development does

The Latino Academy of Workforce Development is a non-profit organization founded in 2011 and headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, that delivers linguistically and culturally competent adult education, workforce certification, and employment support services to Spanish-speaking and bilingual adults in the Latino community. It operates three program departments — Education (ESL, GED/HSED, Digital Literacy/Computer Basics), Workforce Development (OSHA-10, ServSafe, Forklift, Silica Hazard, Fall Protection certifications, plus Contractor and Transportation Business Accelerators), and Transportation (CDL, Diesel Technician, and the Dane County Highway Department Internship) — with most services delivered free to participants via grant funding. The Academy's underlying technology stack is commodity: a Wix-hosted marketing website, Calendly for appointment scheduling, Social Solutions Portal for intake/case management, Givebutter for donations and tuition, and Zoom for virtual ESL classes; there is no proprietary technology, no AI/ML platform, and no app.

The business model is a hybrid non-profit revenue stack: (1) donations and charitable contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporate sponsors (Lowe's Foundation in 2025) processed via Givebutter and donor-advised funds; (2) nominal program tuition ($50 ESL, $150 OSHA-10, $175 ServSafe, $50 Forklift) paid by some participants; and (3) employer-paid contracts for the customized English for the Workplace program. Distribution is in-person at the Madison HQ (2909 Landmark Place), at Madison College's Truax campus for Diesel Technician and HSED, at the McKenzie Regional Workforce Training Center (Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg) for transportation pre-apprenticeships, at employer worksites, and via Zoom-delivered virtual ESL on Saturdays. Customer segments span adult learners, young adults aged 16-24, transportation job seekers, contractors, transportation business owners, and Wisconsin employers; outreach is community-led through social media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn), email newsletter, partner referrals, and career fairs.

Name

Latino Academy of Workforce Development

Legal name

Latino Academy of Workforce Development

Website

https://latinoacademywi.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Latino Academy of Workforce Development is a Madison, Wisconsin non-profit founded in 2011 that delivers culturally responsive adult education, ESL, GED/HSED, and industry certifications (CDL, OSHA-10, ServSafe, Forklift, Diesel Technician) to Spanish-speaking and bilingual adults, primarily funded by donations, modest tuition, and employer-paid contracts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development and Adult Education

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Immigrant & Refugee Workforce Integration Programs (EDAAAOAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Workplace & Career Integration for Immigrants (Credentialing, Job Readiness) (EDAAADAE), Immigrant/Integration Language Programs (ESL/ESOL, Civics-Integrated) (EDAMAFAK), Community College / Training Provider Workforce Pathways Programs (EDAAAOAO), Adult Basic Education (ABE) & Foundational Skills Remediation (EDANAJAK)

Keywords

• Adult education services
• Workforce development training
• ESL language instruction
• Industry certification programs
• Employment support services

Headquarters

HQ city

Madison

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The organization relies heavily on charitable donations from individuals, foundations, and corporate sponsors to fund free programs and operations. They accept donations through Givebutter and recommend grants through Donor-Advised Funds.
2. Program Tuition and Fees: Some programs charge tuition fees including ESL classes ($50), OSHA-10 ($150), ServSafe ($175), and Forklift certification ($50). Many workforce programs are provided free of charge to eligible participants.
3. Employer-Paid Training: The English for the Workplace program is customized for employers who cover the costs of instruction for their employees through partnership agreements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Latino Academy of Workforce Development is a nonprofit that delivers adult education, workforce certification, and employment support services to the Latino and broader community in Madison, Wisconsin. Its portfolio spans ESL/English language classes, GED/HSED preparation, digital literacy, industry certifications (OSHA-10, ServSafe, Forklift, CDL, Diesel Technician), and customized employer training. Most programs are offered free or at low cost, funded through donations, grants, and tuition.

Product overview

Latino Academy of Workforce Development offers a portfolio of adult education and workforce training programs organized into three departments: Education, Workforce Development, and Transportation. The Education Department provides ESL/English language instruction, High School Equivalency (GED/HSED), and Digital Literacy/Computer Basics programs. The Workforce Development Department offers industry certifications including OSHA-10, ServSafe, Forklift, Silica Hazard, and Fall Protection, plus business accelerator programs for contractors and transportation companies, and a Recycle Better sustainability program. The Transportation Department provides CDL training, the Dane County Highway Department Internship, and Diesel Technician certification in partnership with Madison College. The organization also provides Employment Support Services connecting participants with career resources and job opportunities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Digital Literacy Hands-on course building foundational technology skills including Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email, typing, and introduction to AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. Includes resume writing and job application support. Targeted at adult learners building workplace digital skills.
• English Classes (ESL) ESL program helping non-native speakers strengthen reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills with emphasis on practical English for daily life and workplace communication. Delivered in-person and via Zoom on Saturday mornings. $50 tuition.
• High School Equivalency (GED/HSED) Spanish-language high school equivalency program offered in partnership with Madison College, providing pathways to GED or HSED diploma with tailored instruction and academic support. Free to eligible participants.
• English for Professions Industry-specific English language training building professional vocabulary and communication strategies for workplace and client interactions.
• English for the Workplace Customized worksite-based English instruction tailored to employer needs, building job-specific vocabulary and professional communication skills. Employer-paid training.
• Computer Basics Beginner-level technology course covering Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email, typing, and introduction to AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, with basic hardware/software knowledge. Free to eligible participants.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Program Hands-on training preparing participants to earn Class A CDL through classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel experience, including exam support and job readiness training. Free to eligible participants.
• Dane County Highway Department Internship
• Diesel Technician Program
• OSHA-10 Safety Training
• ServSafe Certification
• Forklift Safety Training
• Silica Hazard Awareness
• Fall Protection Training
• Recycle Better Program
• Contractor Business Accelerator
• Transportation Business Accelerator
• Employment Support Services

Quantifiable outcome

• 334 participants received 1:1 employment support
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered supporting and core.

• Hispanic FederationsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 April 2025Hispanic Federation organized a National Gathering in Washington D.C. focused on closing the digital divide affecting Latino communities. Latino Academy's Executive Director participated to discuss digital equity strategies, workforce training in digital environments, and collaboration with other nonprofits.
• Madison CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMadison College partners with Latino Academy to deliver the Diesel Technician Program (classes held at Truax campus) and High School Equivalency program. Partnership provides hands-on training facilities, college accreditation pathway, and expanded reach for adult education.
• Urban League of Greater MadisoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Urban League of Greater Madison collaborates with Latino Academy on the Dane County Highway Department Internship program. Together they provide a 30-week paid internship pathway to full-time employment in public infrastructure.
• City of Madison and Sustain DanesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity of Madison and Sustain Dane partner with Latino Academy to deliver the Recycle Better Program, a free sustainability course helping participants become Certified Recycling Stewards. Sustain Dane typically charges $15 tuition, waived for financial assistance recipients.
• McKenzie Regional Workforce Training CentersupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Latino Academy team collaborates with McKenzie Regional Workforce Training Center at the Boys & Girls Club in Fitchburg, Wisconsin to deliver transportation career exploration programs for teens and young adults.
• United Way of Dane County, Wisconsin Literacy, and Dane NetsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to provide laptop computers to eligible Digital Literacy and other program participants. These partnerships foster commitment to education and promote enrollment in workforce training programs.
• Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of WisconsinsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerABC of Wisconsin works with Latino Academy on workforce outreach and apprenticeship awareness. ABC's Director of Workforce Outreach was recognized by WTEA for commitment to sharing construction careers and expanding apprenticeship opportunities.

Scale indicators19 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• UnidosUS (formerly National Council of La Raza): National Latino advocacy and education organization that operates workforce, education, and immigrant-integration programs; sets the national policy and grant framework within which community-based peers like the Latino Academy operate.
• Madison College: Wisconsin community college that delivers the GED/HSED and Diesel Technician programs on behalf of the Latino Academy; a much larger, multi-program postsecondary institution serving the same regional adult learner population.
• Hispanic Federation: National Latino nonprofit that convenes digital equity and workforce initiatives; the Latino Academy's Executive Director participates in its National Gathering, reflecting a partnership/peer relationship at the national advocacy level.

Regional players

• Gateway Technical College: Wisconsin technical college system serving southeastern Wisconsin with ESL, GED, and trade certifications; comparable adult-ed and technical-school portfolio in a different region of the state.

Direct peers

• Instituto del Progreso Latino: Chicago-based nonprofit delivering ESL, adult education, and workforce training to the Latino community with employer partnerships and credentialing pathways — the closest geographic and programmatic analog to the Latino Academy.
• Literacy Council of Madison: Local adult literacy, ESL, and one-on-one tutoring provider operating in the same Madison market with a similar adult-learner participant base.
• Wisconsin Literacy: Statewide adult literacy and ESL umbrella organization; partners with the Latino Academy on digital literacy and serves overlapping adult learner populations across Wisconsin.
• Urban League of Greater Madison: Local partner that also runs adult education, workforce development, and the Dane County Highway internship pathway; competes for overlapping employer relationships and grant funding in Dane County.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/AcademiaLatinaWI
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/latinoacademywi
• Instagraminstagram.com/latinoacademywi
• Xx.com/latino_academy

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Latino Academy of Workforce Development