A new resource is now available for Belmont Park backstretch workers wishing to improve their English, learn computer skills, and use the internet for communication and research.

“La Escuelita” is a state-of-the-art, interactive language lab and learning center for backstretch employees directed and staffed by the Backstretch Education Fund, Inc., an organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities to backstretch workers in New York. Since 2002, the organization has offered English language instruction, literacy classes, and vocational training to help workers, the majority of whom are Hispanic, improve communication skills and develop a sense of community. Since the program’s inception, more than 1,000 workers have participated in English courses.

“Computers are a tremendous learning tool,” said Lisa Ford, founder and director of the Backstretch Education Fund. “Now classes can work together to access English as a Second Language (ESL) software and related resources online, which we believe will encourage our students to learn more and connect with others.”

The completion of the center represents a collaborative effort on behalf of the Backstretch Education Fund and its supporters, The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and The New York Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association, Inc. (NYTHA).

“NYRA is pleased to help with such a worthwhile project,” said Dave Smukler, senior vice president of human resources and labor relations for NYRA. “Lisa Ford and her staff have worked tirelessly to create educational opportunities for workers on the backstretch in New York and this latest effort marks a great achievement in the development of the fine programs that help workers both expand their language skills and provide valuable occupational training.”

Located in the newly-renovated Rafferty Memorial Library building on the Belmont Park backstretch, NYRA partially underwrote construction costs and NYRA facilities staff assisted with rehabilitating the building. NYTHA underwrote the purchase of the center’s 12 laptop computers, equipped with language software donated by Microsoft. In keeping with the library’s original mission, “La Escuelita” will offer classes in ESL, drop-in evening hours for tutorials and online activities and circulate print reading and learning materials. Additionally, lab computers are equipped with Skype™ software that enables individuals to make free voice and video calls to friends and relatives abroad who also use the service, or low-cost calls to landlines and mobile phones.

“This center is a great resource for the backstretch,” Ford said. “Without the kind support and generosity of NYRA, NYTHA and the many donors to the Backstretch Education fund, our vision for this center would not have become a reality.”

Pictured left to right are: Richard A. Violette, Jr., president of NYTHA, Lisa Ford, founder and director of the Backstretch Education Fund, and John Ryan, senior vice president and administrative officer for NYRA