Empowering Bilingual Youth

The informal interpretation experience is one that almost every bilingual kid knows. Translating terms between parent and doctor, or bank teller, or supermarket worker. LIPS takes this skill in our youth and turns bilingualism into a profitable, and serving tool to the community. Our program recognizes the barrier language causes in engaging every voice and aims to bridge that gap by providing language access and engaging our youth in advocacy rooted in their own community. Simultaneously, our students learn to turn a skill they already have into a profitable career path, opening countless opportunities to them and their future. 
Students must be bilingual in English and Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole at time of enrollment. 
For questions about LIPS, contact us at [email protected]. 

About LIPS Courses

  • The LIPS year runs from October to April.
  • Enrollment for LIPS is once a year, in the Fall.
  • Classes meet once a week on Thursdays from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.
  • LIPS students will learn sought-after interpreter/translator skills and apply them at various events throughout the city through community organizing and advocacy using tactics from professional interpreters and community organizers within our city.
  • Students must be bilingual in English and Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole at time of enrollment. 
  • Students are compensated for their time in class, with first-year students receiving $15.50 per hour. Students who re-register after their first full year will receive an extra $1 per hour for each additional year.
  • Real-world translating/interpreting opportunities in their communities are available through the program, with compensation, to LIPS students. 

Requesting Interpretation or Translation Services

Use the form below to request interpretation and translation services from LIPS students! We will be in touch about your needs and our ability to help. Please contact us 1-2 weeks in advance of your event if possible to allow us to find available students.

Our fees are as follows:
  • $40/hour for simultaneous interpretation
  • $30/hour for consecutive interpretation or generally helping at an event
  • $0.15 per word for translation with an 100-word minimum.

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