English for Food Industry Workers

To address an English language proficiency gap among food and beverage employees, a large percentage of whom are immigrants, our Language Outreach Program (LOP), in partnership with Marriott Hotels, developed an industry-specific English pilot class for current and prospective food and beverage workers.

Reach staff, including the Managing Director, the LOP Director, and an LOP teacher, worked alongside leaders from five local Marriott hotels to create a curriculum that begins with workplace fundamentals and later covers kitchen safety, shift preparation, teamwork, problem solving, measurements, and other work-related subject matter.

The initial pilot class launched in October 2026, with 15 students taking part, including multiple Marriott employees.

Those who complete the class will receive certificates of success that will help them secure positions or advance in positions at restaurants, hotels, or catering companies. In January 2027, the Reach and Marriott teams will meet to evaluate the class, propose any necessary changes, and determine whether a more advanced class should be created.