Empowering People.
Impacting Communities.

What is Tec Centro?

What is the Tec Centro Workforce Network?

Tec Centro Workforce Network is a coalition of community advocates, public officials, philanthropic leaders, and business professionals. The collective goal is to establish community-based bilingual workforce centers to serve populations that are disproportionately disadvantaged. These cities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have a heavy concentration of residents who face barriers related to bilingual education, skills training, and job placement. And in working to proactively address and break down these barriers, the network provides the tools and opportunities for a way out of poverty. We are a proud affiliate of UnidosUS.

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How does it work?

The Tec Centro Workforce Network, currently made up of locations in Berks, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Philadelphia, and York Counties, is the primary provider of bilingual education and skills training. Each location operates independently, forging strategic educational partnerships throughout the community to leverage public and private funding and collaborating with area community colleges and training programs to provide skill training that leads to careers in high-demand areas. Tec Centro Workforce Network provides support and infrastructure to create efficiencies and best practices among locations to maximize resources and community impact.

Background & History

The movement to create bilingual community workforce centers began in Lancaster in 2014 when SACA (Spanish American Civic Association) created a bilingual workforce development model, Tec Centro. This led to the establishment of a 16,000 square-foot training center which contained under one roof all the essential components required for an individual to overcome poverty-these being English language instruction, adult basic education, job placement, job readiness, occupational skills training in high-demand occupations, and placement upon training completion. The regional network of centers follows this fundamental outline in their services.

Services & Programs

Each center provides a unique offering of services and programs to meet the the needs of the communities they are serving. The following is a sample of what is provided by at least one location (often multiple), with additional services introduced as resources permit.


Workforce Training Programs

Allied Health (Certified Nurse Aid, Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy Technician, Medical Records & Billing, Healthcare Office Assistant

Culinary Arts

Mechanical & Technical (Commercial Plumbing, Industrial Electrical, HVAC Maintenance and Refrigeration, Computer Software Information Systems)

Construction/Facilities Building Maintenance

Commercial Drivers License (CDL)

Adult Education Classes

English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and English Conversation Groups

High School Equivalency Preparation in Spanish (HiSet/GED)

Digital Literacy

Financial Wellness Programs

Job Readiness/Soft Skills Training

Employment Services

Career Counseling/Career Navigator

Resume and Application Assistance

Workshops

Job Fairs for Area Business in Need of Talent

The Centers

102 Chester Street
Lancaster, PA

57 Laurel Street
Lancaster, PA 17601

WEPA Empowerment Center
9 South 9th Street
Lebanon, PA 17042

Berks Latino Workforce Development Corporation
450 South 6th Street
Reading, PA 19602

York Community Resource Center
800 East Market Street
York, PA 17403

Tec Centro Philadelphia

Esperanza Tec Centro Philadelphia
More information coming soon!

Tec Centro Capital Region
1426 North Third Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102

Tec Centro Workforce Network is driving measurable change in Pennsylvania’s workforce and economy. By removing financial barriers to education and training, we are equipping residents with skills that lead to family-sustaining careers and filling critical gaps in high-demand industries.

The Impact of Tec Centro Workforce Network

Expanding Statewide

With six operational locations in five counties and new centers planned for Allentown, Philadelphia, and Wilkes-Barre, the Network is reaching more Pennsylvanians every year and strengthening the state’s talent pipeline.

Meeting Pennsylvania’s Urgent Workforce Needs

Healthcare Crisis:
Pennsylvania faces a projected shortfall of more than 277,000 healthcare support workers by 2026. Vacancy rates range from 12% to 30% for direct care roles, including 17% for nursing support professionals. This shortage has resulted in nursing homes capping admissions and hospitals experiencing significant delays in patient care.

Tec Centro is preparing job-ready professionals in critical roles, including:

  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

  • Phlebotomy Technician

  • Medical Assistant

Skilled Trades Shortages:
The Commonwealth is also experiencing a lack of qualified workers in essential trade professions. Our training programs in construction trades, welding, HVAC, and industrial maintenance are closing this gap and ensuring Pennsylvania businesses have the workforce they need to grow.

Results That Matter

  • Thousands of Pennsylvanians served annually

  • Direct contributions to local economies through higher household earnings

  • Stronger, more stable industries in healthcare, skilled trades, and beyond

Our graduates are more than just success stories. They are filling vacancies in hospitals, keeping construction projects moving, and ensuring essential services remain strong across the state.

Leadership

Board of Directors
Tec Centro Regional Network

Marlyn Barbosa, Board Chair
Tec Centro SE and Tec Centro SW (Lancaster)

Violet Emory, Vice Chair
Tec Centro Berks (Berks Latino Workforce Development Corporation)

AliceAnne Frost, Treasurer
Tec Centro York (York Community Resource Center)

Kay Litman
Tec Centro Lebanon (WEPA)

Carlos Graupera, CEO
Tec Centro Regional Network

Regional Directors

MARLYN BARBOSA
Chief Workforce Development Officer, Lancaster

KAY LITMAN
Executive Director, Lebanon

VIOLET EMORY
Executive Director, Berks

ALICEANNE FROST
Executive Director, York

ROBERT TORRES
Executive Director, Capital Region

REV. DANNY CORTÉZ
Executive Director, Philadelphia

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Meet Carlos

Carlos Graupera is the President & CEO of Tec Centro Workforce Network. Previously, he served 50 years as the Founder and CEO of SACA (Spanish American Civic Association), which he established in 1973 in the heart of the City of Lancaster. Under his leadership, SACA evolved into a full-service organization providing civic infrastructure and support for every ethnicity, age, and ability. In 2023, Graupera embarked on a new journey to establish and grow the Tec Centro Workforce Network, which is deeply rooted in the same mission to break through generational poverty while creating a community that is vibrant with opportunity. Using his experience, dedication, and relationships, The Network has seen rapid growth with workforce development centers planted in Berks, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York Counties and growing.

Partner with us

Tec Centro Workforce Network values partnerships at every level, and there is truly no greater way to make an impact on your local community. From individuals who wish to support our vision to robust sponsorship packages that can be customized to any organization’s goal or budget, we invite you to learn what the network has to offer.

Does your business need skilled workers? TCWN can assist you.
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