How Hopelink and Upwardly Global Are Unlocking Professional Pathways In Washington State
For over 50 years, Hopelink has stood as a pillar of support for communities across North and East King County, Washington. It offers a wide range of stability-focused services, including food and housing assistance, mobility support, and financial coaching. One of their programs is English for Work, which offers a free class for adult immigrants and refugees that focuses on building both language and workforce readiness.
An Internet Discovery
When Kelli Graham, Senior Manager of English Language Programs at Hopelink, discovered Upwardly Global through an internet search in 2019, she knew she found something powerful.
“Because we serve such a high number of immigrants and refugees with international credentials, I was searching for resources to support them, and Upwardly Global stood out immediately,” she said.
A Deepening Partnership
That initial discovery led to a flourishing partnership that has evolved in dynamic ways. At first, Hopelink and Upwardly Global collaborated on quarterly virtual info sessions to help English for Work students learn about the career services and job coaching UpGlo offers. Over time, many Hopelink students have benefitted from resume support, mock interviews, and professional connections. In 2024, the collaboration deepened even further into a formal partnership.
Now, Hopelink students can access Upwardly Global’s full online learning platform of self-paced courses, skilling programs through Coursera and eCornell, and job-specific English training through EF English Live. Since formalizing a partnership with Upwardly Global, 73 Hopelink students enrolled in the platform, with an impressive 91% completing one or more learning modules. Even more promising, 36% pursued additional skilling opportunities to further boost their qualifications.
“One of my favorite things about the partnership so far is the ongoing support we get from UpGlo,” Kelli shared. “The ability to bounce ideas around and think of creative ways to support immigrant and refugee professionals is so valuable.”
Kate Johnson, Hopelink’s Adult Education Enrollment Specialist, works one-on-one with students transitioning from English for Work to Upwardly Global’s platform.
“I enjoy helping students customize their next steps, choosing industry-specific vocabulary training or diving into a new skill area based on their interests,” she said. “Seeing how excited they are to engage with Upwardly Global’s resources makes me so happy.”
Real Tools, Real Results
The true success of any partnership is the results that yield from the collaboration. For Hopelink and Upwardly Global, it’s the students who can transition so seamlessly from one course offering to another while gaining critical reskilling and upskilling advantages.
After completing English for Work and enrolling in UpGlo’s Business, Logistics, and Operations path, one student moved on to EF English and a Coursera course in data analysis. The student recently landed a role as a museum guide and continues to upskill as she works toward a job in her original field.
Kelli sees stories like this as representative of what’s possible when immigrant and refugee professionals are given access to tools that honor their lived experience.
“So many of our students already have degrees from their home countries,” she explained. “They don’t need to start over. They just need to refresh or update their skills, and Upwardly Global makes that possible.”
With Hopelink’s English for Work program typically lasting just one quarter, many students also benefit from continued career support. “UpGlo extends the journey,” Kate said. “It allows students to keep building confidence, learning new technologies, and staying connected to a professional community.”
Continuing To Build Bright Futures
Looking ahead, Hopelink hopes to expand the partnership by offering more in-person workshops and building awareness across its service area.
“There are still myths that all immigrants have to start over from scratch,” Kelli noted. “Through this partnership, we’re showing that’s not true. We’re helping professionals reclaim their careers and their futures.”
Together, Hopelink and Upwardly Global are not just teaching English or offering job tips. They are reshaping how workforce systems see immigrant and refugee talent, proving that with the right tools and support, anyone can thrive.
Let’s Build a More Inclusive Workforce Together
Inspired by this story? Join the growing number of organizations unlocking global talent and helping immigrants reclaim their careers in the U.S. Whether you’re ready to explore partnership opportunities, request a demo, or just learn more — our team is here to help you take the next step. Connect with us today and discover what’s possible!