By Amy Cockerham
Public Ed Works 

KENANSVILLE (May 28, 2026) – James Sprunt Community College is meeting the needs of Spanish-speaking people in Eastern North Carolina through the Latino Education Center, which opened in 2023.

“We basically are a centralized location so that individuals who may not be able to speak fluent English or their family members are able to find the assistance,” Latino Center Director Flor Juarez Diaz said.

The Latino Center offers bilingual classes, so Spanish speakers can still enroll in programs that interest them. Programs range from cosmetology to cake decorating, basic computer skills and electrical classes.

“We teach the very basics of electricity, which we teach them what a neutral is, what a hot wire is and what a ground is,” Electrical Instructor and Workforce Coordinator Fabian Vega said. ”We also teach them about the safety of electrical and the codes and rules and regulations of the state.”

Interest in his classes is growing.

“I remember starting for like six students,” Vega said. “It’s to the point that we have a waiting list for next semester, approximately 19 and 20 students just waiting for the next class to start.”

With over 22% of people in Duplin County identifying as Hispanic/Latino, the college is trying to make sure everyone’s needs are met.

“There was a time when I was a student, Hispanic/Latino student, who was in high school, searching for a way to attend a university-college level,” Juarez Diaz said. “Unfortunately, at that moment when I did ask for the opportunity or resources, they were not there.”

“It’s more of a personal, a commitment to the community, ensuring that all students do receive the necessary resources.”

For more information and how to enroll visit https://jamessprunt.edu/centro-educativo-latino/.