EDUCATION
and Work Force Development
Services and Programs
We aim to empower all children through our after-school program, fostering learning, creativity, and personal growth beyond the classroom.
Learning Together
Learning Together is a free after-school program that supports elementary school students from Kindergarten to 5th grade. Our program focuses on collaborating with schools and teachers to ensure students’ needs and progress are prioritized. We maintain regular communication with teachers to address each child’s academic challenges and provide tailored support.
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Our tutoring sessions are conducted by our full-time teacher, Neyda Juarez, who is dedicated to supporting students’ academic growth. As a bilingual and culturally aware educator, she connects with students of all backgrounds, offering assistance in subjects like math, English Language Arts, science, and social studies, while also teaching valuable skills such as problem-solving and teamwork.
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Schedule:
Tutoring takes place Monday through Thursday, from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM, during the school year only.
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Registration:
Families can register their children at any time during our business hours by visiting our office at 79 Academy St., Marion, NC 28752, or contacting us at 828-652-0727 or visit us during business hours.
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Program Coordinator:
Neyda Juarez
Testimonial
"Today I want to salute and congratulate Centro Unido in Marion, NC in this 2024, for their great help in all the programs, in particular the After School Tutoring Program. Thank you very much Centro Unido."
Empowering Minds Through Business and Tech
Latino Business Force
The Latino Business Force is one of our newest programs, established in May 2023. This initiative was created to support the Latino community in building and growing successful businesses within McDowell County and the surrounding areas.​Our team participated in a certification course that covered the essential skills, knowledge, and tools needed for entrepreneurship. While the course provided valuable insights, it was not available in Spanish. In response to this gap, the Latino Business Force program was developed to provide Spanish-speaking individuals with the resources necessary to start and sustain their own businesses.​Participants engage in a comprehensive 6-class course and, upon completion, receive a certification from McDowell Technical Community College. For more information, please contact us via phone or email.​​
Computer classes
Our education programs continue to grow and make a meaningful impact in our community. Through the Digital Equity Grant, we are proud to collaborate with Unidx and Hola Carolina to address the digital divide and advance digital equity. As part of this initiative, we offer a four-level computer education program designed to help community members build essential tech skills from the ground up. The curriculum covers the internal and external parts of a computer, operating systems, commonly used software programs, and practical applications for job readiness. With over 40 participants this term, these classes are helping individuals gain confidence with technology—a vital step toward employment and new opportunities. Your contributions are not just funding programs—they are empowering futures.
Business Classes
By uniting with local businesses, Centro Unido and the McDowell Tech Small Business Center have empowered 80 Latino participants—including many DACA recipients—through a Spanish-language entrepreneurship program. This initiative has helped 20 new businesses successfully register, contributing to economic growth in McDowell County and surrounding areas.
With guidance from trained instructors and local business leaders, participants gained the essential knowledge and skills to start and grow their ventures. Together, we are creating real opportunities and building a stronger, more resilient Latino community for the future.
Testimonial
"I can't thank you enough, I wish that more people continue to benefit from all the programs and have a better future. I thank God for all the opportunities through Centro Unido. I thank the teacher Melissa Flores for all the patience and all the staff of Centro Unido for all the help they give to the whole community. I wish you many blessings and success."