Mission Language and Vocational School (MLVS) has been in continuous operation as a community-based education center for over 43 years, administering federal, state, and locally funded programs. Each year the school enrolls over 300 students, and has an annual operating budget of $1.25 million. More than 80% of graduating students continue to be employed after one year, managing to escape the poverty cycle and become self-sufficient, productive individuals in their communities.

Since the school began as the Centro Social Obrero in 1962, more than 27,500 low-income, adult students have been placed in jobs. MLVS’ courses are approved by the California Bureau of Post-Secondary Education, and certified by the Eligible Training Provider’s List (ETPL). MLVS is recognized as an innovator in Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) and an expert in job skills training. We offer job-specific training programs in office technology, healthcare, and culinary arts. Up to 150 youth are served annually in MLVS after-school and summer programs for at-risk middle- and high-school aged students. In addition, the school’s bi-lingual, multi-cultural staff provide career guidance, counseling, job placement, and referral services for legal, childcare, health, and housing assistance.