Description and Purpose: The Hispanic Leaders' Network serves as the hub for language access in the Waco-McLennan County communities. As part of this initiative, HLN is launching the Qualified Interpreter certification course , and will provide scholarships for 10 individuals and two alternates who desire to give back to the community by serving as an interpreter / translator for various community events and meetings.
Application Instructions: Thank you for your interest in becoming a qualified interpreter through HLN's Language Access Program. To be considered for the Qualified Interpreter Certificate Course scholarship please ensure you meet the prerequisites provided below. The scholarship application must be completed and submitted by no later than May 31, 2023.
Qualified Interpreter Course
This Community Interpreter course is a 40-hour online class and can be completed anywhere, and at any time as long as it is completed within 180 days. The program includes: 2 e-textbooks, role play videos, video instructor, quizzes & self-assessment exercises, audio & video examples, 90 min final assessment, and course completion certificate. All content for the course is in English.
If you are selected to receive the scholarship for the Qualified Interpreter Certificate course, the cost of the course will be paid in full by the Hispanic Leaders' Network. The cost of the pre-test for proficiency will also be paid by the Hispanic Leaders' Network.
Participant PrerequisitesInterested applicants must meet the following prerequisites to be considered for the program scholarship.
- You must have a High School Diploma or GED.
- A college degree and/or some college work is preferred but not necessary.
- You must be able to read, write, and understand the English written language and instructions.
- You must be fluent Bilingual (English and Spanish)
- You must take and pass an English and Spanish proficiency test to be eligible for participation.
- You must commit to a standard code of ethics
HLN's Language Access and
Qualified Interpreter Certificate Course Requirements
If you are selected to receive one of the 10 scholarships you will be required to:
- Attend an in person course orientation in August 2023 (Date - TBD)
- Complete 40 hours of course work
- Complete 24 online lessons (1.5 to 2 hours each)
- Must pass all 24 lesson exit tests with at least a 70% and pass the final assessment by at least a 75%
(3 attempts to pass the final assessment to the receive the course completion certificate. - Complete full course and pass all required test by February 18, 2024.
- Reimburse HLN full cost of course if not completed by February 18, 2024
Requirement Upon Completion of Course and Passing Final Assessment
Upon competition of all course work, online lessons, and passing all exit test by at least 70% participants will be required to:- Notify HLN's Language Justice Co-Chairs (Isabel Lozano and Anali Looper) within seven calendar days of your completion of the full course and passage of the final assessments and email a copy of your completion certificate to hlnwaco@gmail.com.
- Commit to providing interpreter translation services to various organizations and entities throughout the Waco community using the HLN Language Justice recommended certified interpreter service fee schedule.
- Commit to exhibiting professional behavior and appearance while representing Hispanic Leaders' Network and serving as an interpreter in the community.
- Commit to serving on HLN's Language Justice committee while completing the course and for two years after completion of course.
- Commit to attending an HLN event to be publicly recognized for becoming a Qualified Interpreter.
- Commit to having your name on HLN's list of certified Spanish interpreters for Waco-McLennan County.
Benefits of Becoming a Qualified Interpreter:
Being a qualified interpreter could be rewarding in many ways. As a qualified interpreter you could...
- embrace the opportunity to give back to the community and contribute to language access through interpretation services;
- make extra income by serving as an free lance interpreter throughout the community. You can also set own rates within a suggested rate range provided by HLN; and
- possibly receive compensation from your employer for being a qualified interpreter.
Scholarship Deadline - Coursework Completion Timeline
- May 31, 2023 - Scholarship Application Deadline
- June 1 - June 30 - Screening, Interviewing, and Selection of Participants
- July 2023 - Selected participants will be notified. Scholarship applicants who were not selected will also be notified.
- August 2023 - Participant Orientation (in person orientation)
- September 5, 2023 - Students will begin online course work.
- February 18, 2024 - Deadline for students to complete course and pass all exams.
If you have questions about the application process or timeline please contact hlnwaco@gmail.com or call 254-715-7554.
