When organizations share values, trust each other’s expertise, and stay deeply responsive to the communities they serve, a partnership can become a catalyst for change. That belief in shared values and collective impact is what defines the partnership between Upwardly Global (UpGlo) and Community Action, Inc. of Central Texas, a collaboration focused on creating dignity, opportunity, and career mobility for immigrant and refugee professionals.

Community Action, Inc. of Central Texas serves more than 2,500–3,000 learners across nine counties surrounding Austin, many of them English language learners. Through adult education (ESL) for Work, workforce development, and career navigation, the organization takes a learner-centered, strengths-based approach, recognizing international experience and professional aspirations while addressing systemic barriers to employment.

Their partnership with UpGlo began at the start of 2025, just as Community Action was shaping a newly separated EL Civics funding stream and reimagining how ESL instruction could more intentionally connect to employment outcomes. Angi Mudd, EL Civics Program Manager, recalls first encountering Upwardly Global during a state-hosted presentation.

Angi shared:

“It felt like a perfect opportunity to define our ESL for Work classes more clearly. It wasn’t just about learning English; it was about entering the workforce with purpose.”

Integration, Not Addition

From the beginning, Community Action deliberately chose not to treat Upwardly Global’s platform as a standalone resource. UpGlo trained their instructors and staff to become career coaches, equipping them with consistent, career-specific guidance across classrooms and counseling sessions.

Teachers aligned lesson plans with UpGlo’s modules on resumes, networking, interviewing, and credential evaluation. Classroom activities reinforced the platform’s content, while higher-level learners completed modules independently and moved quickly into upskilling pathways.

Cynthia Arocha, Adult Education Coordinator and Career Counselor, emphasized the value of this consistency. “Whether students met with a teacher, Angi, or me, they were getting the same information. That consistency builds confidence for us and for our students.”

The partnership also filled a critical gap. While Community Action offers in-person career training, access — especially across rural counties — can vary by location. UpGlo’s flexible, online skilling opportunities ensured learners could pursue credentials aligned with their actual professional backgrounds, not just what was locally available.

Angi explained:

“For someone who was a doctor, engineer, or teacher in their home country, being told their only option is a CNA or entry-level role can be discouraging. Upwardly Global allowed us to say, ‘Here’s something that fits your goals, your schedule, and your experience.’”

Impact That Speaks for Itself

In just one year, the results of the partnership have been significant:

  • 181 learners enrolled in the Upwardly Global Learning platform
  • 53 participants guided through industry-specific learning pathways
  • 37 learners earned in-demand certifications through upskilling and reskilling
  • 16 job placements achieved, with a combined $243,955 in annual salaries across healthcare, education, social services, logistics, business, and operations

Beyond the numbers, instructors saw a powerful shift in how students viewed themselves.

Nabor Cortez, who teaches TOEFL Preparation, ESL for Professionals, and certification cohorts, described the transformation he witnessed in his classroom. “My students begin to see themselves not just as English learners, but as internationally trained professionals with valuable experience. I see them move from uncertainty to purpose.”

That shift had real-world outcomes. Sudah, a student participant, credits the program with helping her secure a substitute teaching position. She said:

“The guidance I received made a big difference in my journey. I gained confidence, improved my skills, and achieved my dream job.”

A True Two-Way Partnership

Community Action staff consistently highlighted Upwardly Global’s responsiveness, follow-through, flexibility, and openness to feedback as the keys that set this partnership apart. 

“They never tried to fit us into a box. They honored how we serve our students and worked with us,” Angi said. “Upwardly Global helps us to be better career counselors, better instructors, and ultimately, to help our students succeed.”

Collaboration That Delivers

Community Action plans to expand access to Upwardly Global’s platform beyond formal classes, making it available to anyone in the community who could benefit. A new partnership with the City of Cedar Park will bring career counseling and UpGlo enrollment support to residents through the public library, extending reach to even more internationally trained professionals.

Cynthia shared:

“Sometimes this work can feel lonely. Knowing Upwardly Global’s resources are being shared nationwide, and that we’re not alone, has made a huge difference.”