LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Imagine working a full day, coming home to take care of the household, then going back out to class to learn an entirely new language — English.

What You Need To Know

  • The Backside Learning Center provides English classes to all the workers at the Backside of Churchill Downs, for free

  •  Each class is about two hours

  •  Classes are held at Beechmont Baptist Church in Louisville's south end

  • The center says they are trying to soften the burden of living in a different country

It’s a reality some people are living right now.U.S.

What’s happening inside a classroom is vitally important and special for 17-year-old Emily Salcedo.

“It’s just so wonderful and this community is just so sweet,” Salcedo explained.

Her dad came to the U.S. in the mid-1980s from Mexico and started working at Churchill Downs. He worked there for at least 10 years.

“Honestly, it’s such a privilege,” Salcedo said with a smile. “I kind of used it to my advantage, ‘cuz ever since I was little, the one tradition, we would go as a family was obviously to the Derby and to Oakes and dressing up and everything.”

Her father went through the Backside Learning Center when he worked at the track. Her mother heard about the center’s educational program for kids, called Front Runners. Salcedo enrolled at 13 for about 2 years. She was already fluent in English.

“Taking these classes has most definitely helped me not only in my English, but far past that. My math skills and my study skills have improved over the years as well. Everything has improved, and it’s just been so amazing to be able to have tutors who come in,” Salcedo said.

Her mother is one of a handful of students who attend the English language class at Beechmont Baptist Church in Louisville’s south end.

“Over the couple of months that she’s been going to this program, I’m astounded! I’m like ‘Mom, you literally are talking full sentences to me now!” Salcedo explained.

The Backside Learning Center provides English classes to all the workers at the Backside of Churchill Downs for free. Each class is about 2 hours.

The group Spectrum News 1 spoke with will actually be the first to get diplomas when they’re done. They have educated hundreds of people since the program started.

Alma Aldana, the Adult Programs Manager with the Backside Learning Center, explained, “We know the importance of learning a new language. Coming to a new culture and everything. By providing English classes, we try to soften the burden of coming to a different country.”

Instructor Dailey Menendez wants all of her students to be succeed, even beyond this classroom.

“I want them to learn skills that are practical. So, whether that be learning how to make a resume, learning how to interview. Learning how laws work, like what is that about? Just learning about different processes that we have in our community that they’re eventually going to have to engage with,” Menendez said. 

Now, in a full-circle moment, Salcedo volunteers with the kids program she went through.

“Now, I’m able to go help other kids,” she explained.

Aldana said they have a new partnership with Jefferson County Public School’s adult education program this year. She said the program they’re providing now is more structured.

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