Renovations, Increased Class Offerings Heighten Learning Center's Profile In May 2004, the Klein Family Learning Center and WinStar Library opened on the backside of Churchill Downs The Center, located in what used to be the racing office, was created to serve the growing population of racetrack workers who have a need for English speaking skills. The building has been remodeled into a fully functional library, classroom and computer lab. The organization hopes to pave the way for future projects at other Churchill Downs Incorporated racetracks by working within the industry to provide a positive learning experience for other workers in need of these services. The Learning Center and Library -- through its fiscal sponsor, the Kentucky Derby Museum -- operates entirely from grants and donations. Director jennifer Hoert works with a core group of twenty volunteers -- ranging from high school students to retired professionals -- who have a combined 205 years of teaching experience. The library contains 1,700 donated books to date, which are loaned out to horsemen. The Learning Center offers English as a Second Language classes through a partnership with Jefferson County Public Schools-Adult & Continuing Education (JCPS-AE). The Center's volunteer staff teaches a Spanish course, a basic computer class and art classes. In partnership with the Center for Women & Families, a class on financial literacy is also offered. In partnership with the JCPS-AE, the English as a Second Language classes were also taught at Trackside during the off-season. The Center also offers tutoring, conversation tables to practice speaking English, and a computer lab with Internet access on eight workstations. The lab is perhaps the Center's most popular area. "It's a huge success. Anyone can be connected to their family through e-mail and it costs less than a phone card," said Hoert. The number on priority at the Center is the education and comfort of the students. Last year, 130 students were served, an average of 30 students per week. This year, through grant funds from the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, the old computer monitors in the lab will be replaced with flat-screen monitors. This will free up space for an additional four computer stations, enabling the Center to accommodate up to twelve students in the lab at any time. The students are appreciative of the increased services and classes offered by the Learning Center. One backside employee, groom Gilberto Torres, was asked if the classes offered at the Center were helping him to improve his English speaking skills. "Yes, a little...they were good," he said. Torres hopes to continue to take classes again in the spring. In partnership with the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) and Louisville Bar Association, the Center will also offer legal clinics with family, work, criminal and immigration attorneys present to consult with horsemen. The HBPA and the Learning Center have also partnered to help horsemen who need assistance in securing a driver's license. "There is a need for literacy skills among the people who are here," said Hoert. "The population is interested in getting a GED, and in being able to apply for a driver's license. That is why the Center started, and that is why it is continuing." Hoert also hopes to offer additional classes based on student needs and interests. "If there is enough interest in a class, we will do everything we can to make it happen," she said. "The goal is to make this a place where you can engage your time in a positive way." The Center is accepting new volunteers to serve as tutors, instructional aides and administrative assistants. Books and financial contributions are also appreciated. With even more educational projects on the horizon, the success of the Learning Center is a sure bet at Churchill Downs this spring. — Emily Hufford, CCNnet.net