NORTHAMPTON — The International Language Institute of Massachusetts (ILI) raised more than $36,000 at its annual Giving Voice fundraiser on May 13 at the Northampton Center for the Arts.

More than 150 community members, educators, business leaders, and supporters attended the event, which featured silent and live auctions showcasing donations from local businesses, artists, and community partners. Proceeds will support ILI’s Free English Program, which provides English language instruction and literacy services to immigrants and refugees throughout the region.

The event was supported by corporate sponsors Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee, Greenfield Savings Bank, and Gateway Fiber, as well as numerous local businesses, artists, and individuals who contributed auction items and other support.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of everyone who made Giving Voice such a success,” said Caroline Gear, executive director of ILI. “The funds raised will help ensure that immigrants and refugees in our community have access to the language skills, educational opportunities, and support they need to achieve their goals. At ILI, we believe that language changes lives, and this community’s support makes that work possible.”

Founded in 1984, ILI is a nonprofit language school based in Northampton. Its mission is to promote intercultural understanding and diverse communities through high-quality language instruction and teacher training. In addition to its Free English Program, ILI offers English language instruction, world language courses, workplace language training, teacher-training programs, and study-abroad opportunities.

NORTHAMPTON — The International Language Institute of Massachusetts (ILI) announced the receipt of 50 Chromebooks destined for students in its free English program. This donation is a key component of a statewide initiative spearheaded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants, and MassTech.

The program is strategically designed to ensure equitable digital access for adult learners across the Commonwealth, providing the essential tools required for success in English for speakers of other languages and literacy courses.

The timing of this contribution is critical as immigrants and refugees face heightened challenges navigating shifting federal policies and economic barriers. For many students, these devices represent more than just hardware — they are a gateway to essential services and educational continuity.

“Digital equity is not just about hardware; it is about providing our students with a lifeline to stability and opportunity during an incredibly turbulent time for our immigrant community,” said Caroline Gear, executive director of ILI. “These Chromebooks allow our learners to access online education and essential services from home, ensuring that the doors to the American dream remain open even as external pressures mount.”

As a recipient of this gift, ILI continues its 40-year mission of empowering newcomers through language and literacy. This partnership highlights a robust collective effort between state agencies and local nonprofits to build a more inclusive and digitally connected Massachusetts.

NORTHAMPTON — The International Language Institute of Massachusetts (ILI) recently welcomed Spanish instructor Boris Romero and Italian instructor Jennie Coletta.

Romero has taught Spanish since 2008 in institutes and universities of Colombia, Canada, and the U.S. He eartned both his bachelor’s degree in modern languages and his master’s degree in applied linguistics of Spanish as foreign language at Javeriana University in Bogota, Colombia. He is in the last stages of his doctoral dissertation related to the connection between language and culture. He speaks English, Spanish, French, and a little Italian.

Coletta moved to Western Mass. after living three years in Milan, Italy. She has a bachelor’s degree in Italian studies from Brown University and a master of education degree from Lesley University. As an undergrad, she studied abroad at the Università di Bologna, and later au paired for a family in Sicily. She has taught Italian at a public high school in Massachusetts, and while living in Italy, she taught English to Italian adults.

NORTHAMPTON — In mid-December, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) announced the results of its competitive grant program to fund free English classes for immigrants and refugees across the state. The International Language Institute of Massachusetts (ILI), located in Northampton, was on the list.

“We were thrilled to get the good news,” said Macey Faiella, director of ILI’s English programs. “The pandemic shed new light on the disparities that face immigrants and refugees, and we reassessed our program to include greatly expanded offerings. DESE responded positively — all to the benefit of the students.”

For 34 years, ILI has partnered with the state to provide free English classes in Western Mass. The new award extends the partnership for an additional five years and funds about two-thirds of the overall program. ILI is responsible for the remaining costs, raised primarily from individual donors and local businesses and foundations.