National Latino Education Institute

What National Latino Education Institute does

The National Latino Education Institute (NLEI) is a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit and nationally accredited educational institution headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, operating from a 40,000 square foot Pershing Road campus and seven-plus satellite locations across Illinois. Founded in 1972 as Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc. (rebranded to NLEI in 2008), the organization delivers workforce development, vocational training, adult education, and employment-placement services primarily to adult Latino learners and underserved Chicago residents.

NLEI's product portfolio comprises tuition-bearing vocational programs (40-week Bilingual Medical Assistant with CAAHEP accreditation, 40-week Medical Office Specialist, 34-week Business Development Professional, 127.5-hour BNA/CNA, Construct Infrastructure Academy), short-cycle free or grant-funded programs (Culinary Works at the GOYA Learning Kitchen, APRENDE construction pathway, NLEI ENERGIA energy training, Job Readiness Project, ESL, GED/Adult Secondary Education, Bridge to Success, Microsoft Unlimited digital literacy), and wraparound Community Technology Centers, Community Employment Services, and Credit Building support. Core technology is conventional: Microsoft Unlimited Potential for digital literacy, EHR systems for allied health instruction, third-party translation software, and free computer-lab access — no proprietary AI/ML systems.

The business model is a hybrid nonprofit revenue stack: tuition and training fees (described as 'very affordable' and financial-aid eligible via U.S. Department of Education approval since 1992), federal and state grants (WIA, ISBE, HEERF, Mayor's Office of Workforce Development), corporate sponsorships and individual donations (Fund-It-Forward annual luncheon series since the early 1970s, Golf Classic, Mary Gonzalez-Koenig Education Fund), employer-services revenue (customized training, pre-screened candidate referrals), and free-program funding via the New Start program. Customer segments span individual adult learners, ESL/GED students, healthcare-career seekers, and job seekers placed across 300+ Chicago-area employer partners.

Name

National Latino Education Institute

Legal name

National Latino Education Institute

Website

https://nlei.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Short description

NLEI is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit and ACICS/CAAHEP-accredited career school delivering bilingual vocational training, adult education, and job-placement services to Latino adults and underserved Chicago residents across its Pershing Road campus and seven-plus Illinois satellite locations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Training & Adult Education

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Employment Agencies (7361)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAAADAE

Workplace & Career Integration for Immigrants (Credentialing, Job Readiness)

Education/Adult & Continuing Education/Citizenship & Immigrant Integration Education

SECONDARYEDAMAFAK

Immigrant/Integration Language Programs (ESL/ESOL, Civics-Integrated)

Education/Supplemental & Enrichment Programs (Arts, STEM, Language)/Language Learning & Conversation Programs

SECONDARYEDAAACAB

ESL Literacy & Foundational English (Pre-beginner/Alphabetics)

Education/Adult & Continuing Education/English as a Second Language (ESL) & Adult Language Learning

SECONDARYEDAAAAAC

Basic Digital Literacy (Device, Internet, Email)

Education/Adult & Continuing Education/Adult Basic Education (ABE) & Literacy

Keywords

• Adult education services
• Vocational training programs
• Workforce development services
• Healthcare career training
• ESL and GED programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Training Fees: Revenue from vocational training programs including Bilingual Medical Assistant, Medical Office Specialist, Business Development Professional, and construction/energy programs. Programs range from 6 weeks to 40 weeks in duration.
2. Government Grants and Funding: Funding from Illinois State Board of Education, U.S. Department of Education, Mayor's Office of Manpower, CETA, SLIAG (Immigration Reform), and workforce development agencies including WIA (Workforce Investment Act). NLEI is a certified WIA Training Service Provider.
3. Private Donations and Corporate Contributions: Annual fundraiser luncheons (Fund-It-Forward series), golf classic events, corporate sponsorships, and individual giving through Mary Gonzalez-Koenig Education Fund.
4. Employer Services and Customized Training: Pre-screened qualified candidate referrals, customized training programs, and employer engagement services for workforce diversification.
5. Free Training Programs: Free programs including Culinary Works, Job Readiness Project, APRENDE, and BNA classes through New Start - funded through grants and donations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

National Latino Education Institute (NLEI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and nationally accredited business school that delivers workforce development, vocational training, adult education, and job placement services to the Latino community in Chicago and across Illinois. Its core offerings include bilingual healthcare training (Bilingual Medical Assistant, Medical Office Specialist, BNA/CNA), construction and energy industry training (Construct, APRENDE, ENERGIA), business development, culinary arts (Culinary Works!), digital literacy, ESL, GED preparation, and pre-vocational Bridge to Success programming.

Product overview

The National Latino Education Institute (NLEI) is a community-based nonprofit educational institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of workforce development programs. The organization operates as a unified platform combining vocational training programs with supportive services. Core programs include healthcare training (Bilingual Medical Assistant, Medical Office Specialist, BNA/CNA), business development training, construction and energy trades training (Construct Infrastructure Academy, APRENDE, ENERGIA Project), culinary arts (Culinary Works!), and adult education (ESL, GED, Adult Basic Education, Bridge to Success). These programs are supported by Community Technology Centers, employment services, and financial aid assistance. All vocational programs are nationally accredited by ACICS and select programs hold additional specialized accreditation (CAAHEP for Medical Assistant). The institution serves the Latino community of Chicago with the goal of economic independence through education, training, employment, and advocacy.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Bilingual Medical Assistant Program (BMA) A 40-week nationally accredited program that prepares graduates for entry-level medical assistant positions, with specialized bilingual training and CAAHEP accreditation. Graduates are eligible to sit for the AAMA-CMA certification exam.
• Medical Office Specialist Program A 40-week program preparing students for entry-level healthcare administrative positions including medical office assistant, medical secretary, receptionist, insurance billing and coding specialist, medical transcriber, administrative assistant, and medical records clerk.
• Business Development Professional Program A 34-week bilingual (English/Spanish) program providing specialized courses in sales, service, and marketing skills, followed by a 140-hour internship, to prepare graduates for customer service and sales positions across industries.
• Construct Infrastructure Academy An eight-week construction training program where participants develop skills for entry-level construction jobs, including CDL training, CAST test prep, job shadowing, and seminars with ComEd, contractors, and union representatives.
• APRENDE Program A 10-week construction industry career preparation program that prepares participants to transition to Department of Labor registered apprenticeships in the trades.
• NLEI ENERGIA Project An energy industry training program that imparts foundational industry knowledge and technical skills to participants for successful entry into energy occupations and fields.
• Culinary Works! A 6-week culinary career preparation program conducted at the Goya Learning Kitchen at SOS Children's Villages Illinois (1133 W 13th St, Chicago), preparing participants for successful careers in commercial kitchens.
• Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program (BNA/CNA) A 127.5-hour program consisting of theory, lab practice, and clinical experience designed to prepare students to assist with patient care and function effectively as nursing team members.
• Bridge to Success (BTS) A pre-vocational contextualized program for individuals with a high school diploma or GED who lack basic literacy and numeracy skills necessary for NLEI's postsecondary vocational training programs.
• Adult Secondary Education (GED Preparation) Courses for adults 18 years and older preparing students for the Illinois High School Equivalency Certificate, including preparation in reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics.
• English as a Second Language (ESL) English language courses for adults addressing ESL and Citizenship needs of Latinos, including citizenship classes covering Constitution and U.S. History requirements.
• Microsoft Unlimited (Digital Literacy) A five-week basic technology skills and applications training program covering word processing, Internet and web browsing, and presentation fundamentals, with certificate of completion.
• Community Technology Centers (CTCs) Technology access centers providing free access to computers and internet for underserved communities, with 16 workstations open Monday through Friday for resume work, job searches, homework, and more, supported by Lumity's CTC Connect Program best practices.
• Community Employment Services Comprehensive employment services including job placement, pre-employment counseling, job readiness training, skills assessment, resume writing, employer referrals, and job fair facilitation.
• Employer Services and Customized Training Pre-screened qualified candidate referrals, customized training programs, and employer engagement services for workforce diversification, delivered in partnership with NLEI's Business Leadership Council.

Quantifiable outcome

• Places hundreds of job seekers annually with 300+ companies
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• LumitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021NLEI participates in Lumity's CTC Connect Program - a comprehensive program designed to help increase the capacity and sustainability of Community Technology Centers in Chicago. Connects 70+ participating CTCs with best practices, technical support, operational training, and peer networking. Includes technical assessments, online troubleshooting, help desk support, onsite support, and volunteer matching portal access.
• Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)coreOthersNLEI is nationally accredited by ACICS as a business school. ACICS granted Honor Roll Institution status recognizing exemplary standards and highest merit of accreditation without deferral.
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)coreOthersNLEI's Bilingual Medical Assistant program received accreditation through CAAHEP on recommendation of American Association of Medical Assistants. NLEI is one of only three CAAHEP certified programs in Chicago and the only one offering specialized bilingual training.
• Chicago Credit Building CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNLEI is a partner of the Chicago Credit Building Coalition, offering services to help Chicago residents build and/or raise their credit scores. Provides educational tools, one-on-one analysis, and long-term relationships with clients.
• Illinois State Board of EducationcoreOthersNLEI is approved by Illinois State Board of Education and provides ESL, Citizenship, and Pre-vocational Training funded through ISBE.
• U.S. Department of EducationcoreOthersNLEI is approved by U.S. Department of Education, enabling provision of federal financial aid directly to students.
• Mayor's Office of Workforce Development (MOWD)majorOthersNLEI was one of only ten Welfare-to-Work subcontractors for the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development in the City of Chicago.
• Workforce Investment Act (WIA) One-Stop SystemmajorOthersNLEI is selected as an affiliate of the One-Stop System to provide Core and Intensive Services under WIA legislation. Certified WIA Training Service Provider to receive Individual Training Accounts from One-Stop Centers.
• SOS Children's Villages IllinoismajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGOYA Learning Kitchen located at SOS Children's Villages Illinois (1133 W 13th St, Chicago) - Culinary Works program training facility.
• American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)coreOthersCAAHEP accreditation on recommendation of AAMA enables NLEI BMA graduates to sit for the AAMA-CMA exam administered by American Association of Medical Assistants.
• National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)coreOthersNLEI is a testing site for NCCT certification exams in Medical Assisting, Medical Office Specialist, Phlebotomy Technician, and Insurance Coding and Billing Specialist.
• American Heart Association (AHA)coreOthersNLEI offers Community and Healthcare CPR classes taught by BLS certified instructors using American Heart Association curriculum.
• ComEdcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerComEd participates in Job Readiness Project providing energy industry training and job placement. Angeles Sandoval serves on Emerging Leaders board. Construct program includes seminars by ComEd, contractors, and union reps.
• 300+ Chicago EmployersmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOver 300 companies partner with NLEI annually for job placement of graduates. Employers have found NLEI provides applicants with training and positive attitude required to compete in today's market.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Chicago Urban League: Chicago-based workforce development and adult education provider that places job seekers with regional employers; operates comparable employer-network-driven job placement model with similar employer relationships in the Chicago market.
• Instituto del Progreso Latino: Chicago-based community nonprofit offering ESL, adult education, and vocational training to immigrant communities — the closest direct peer given overlapping geography, immigrant-serving mission, and bilingual workforce focus.
• St. Augustine College: Hispanic-Serving Institution in Chicago offering bilingual higher education programs; NLEI's Bridge to Success and allied health training sit one credential tier below St. Augustine, making them natural articulation partners in the same Latino education pipeline.
• SER-Jobs for Progress: National Hispanic workforce development organization with comparable adult education, ESL, and job placement programming; recognized NLEI with an Excellence Award in 2007, signaling direct ecosystem overlap.
• City Colleges of Chicago (Malcolm X College): Local community college network with vocational and allied health programs serving similar adult populations; comparable allied health (CNA, medical assistant-adjacent) curricula and citywide Chicago footprint that overlaps with NLEI's recruitment funnel.
• Aspira Inc. National Latino education nonprofit providing dropout prevention, college access, and workforce pathways — comparable mission (Latino self-sufficiency through education) and similar reliance on federal education funding streams.
• Jewish Vocational Service Chicago: Chicago-based nonprofit offering vocational training, ESL, and job placement to underserved adults; directly comparable vocational-skills certificate model and employer referral placement function.

Others

• Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU): National membership association representing Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Latino-serving colleges; adjacent enabling organization that NLEI could partner with for federal funding advocacy and capacity-building networks.

Broad incumbents

• Year Up: National workforce development nonprofit placing young adults into corporate careers — broader reach and corporate training model but adjacent in mission and employer-referral-driven placement at companies like ComEd that also partner with NLEI.

Regional players

• Resurrection Project: Chicago Latino community development nonprofit operating workforce, housing, and education initiatives in the same neighborhoods NLEI serves; comparable immigrant-serving focus and overlap in citywide advocacy networks.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/236913270054
• Xx.com/NLEI
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/national-latino-education-institute

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 National Latino Education Institute