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Spanish continues to hold a place of prominence among foreign languages in the United States, with  speaking it. And though Ohio’s Spanish-speaking population is smaller at , northeast Ohio features a Spanish-speaking population higher than the state average, at around .

In light of Spanish’s role in modern society, many diverse local businesses have invested in programs and positions relevant to Spanish speakers, and an array of centers, festivals, and events exist that celebrate Hispanic culture in northeast Ohio. Below, we have compiled a number of Spanish opportunities in Cleveland and the surrounding area.

Industries and Employers in Northeast Ohio in Need of Spanish Speakers

To better cater to the Hispanic community in Ohio, many businesses and organizations seek out talented translators and interpreters to ensure effective and clear communication is achieved. Some relevant industries and employers in northeast Ohio include: 

• Healthcare – Major hospital systems, such as the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, provide many Spanish opportunities in the Cleveland area, regularly hiring bilingual individuals to aid with patient access and communication, community health initiatives, care coordination, and more.
• Financial institutions – Many area banks, including Third Federal, PNC, First Federal of Lakewood, Woodforest National Bank, and others list bilingualism with Spanish as a preferred qualification for LinkedIn listings for personal bankers, tellers, loan officers, and call-center representatives.
• Education and youth services – Some educational opportunities for Spanish speakers include bilingual teachers, intervention specialists, and college and career advisors in charter and public schools, such as in ACCEL Schools and College Now. 
• Nonprofits and government agencies – Customer relations specialists, program coordinators, caseworkers, career coaches, and other roles often require bilingual individuals, including those in organizations like the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, OhioGuidestone, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, the Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity, and the Achievement Centers for Children.
• Professional services – Other sectors that include roles to aid Hispanic community members in Ohio include law firms, real estate firms, mortgage companies, and construction companies, many of which often need bilingual staff for client-facing and compliance roles.

Events and Organizations for the Hispanic Community in Ohio

•  – The Clark-Fulton neighborhood in Cleveland features this major cultural center that hosts the Cleveland Latino Market, a variety of cultural events throughout the year, dance nights, and more
• – Native Spanish speakers can hone their English skills in an array of classes that cater to adults, children, corporate audiences, and more
• – Every year, from September 15 to October 15, Americans celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, and during this time many Cleveland organizations hold events to promote the food, music, and community of Hispanic cultures
• – The Global Ambassadors Language Academy hosts a variety of events throughout the year, allowing students to perform in Spanish and celebrate key cultural touchstones
• – With a mission of transforming lives by “preserving, educating, and promoting Latino heritage,” this center focuses on merging history with the visual, performing, and literary arts

From September festivals to year-round cultural programming, northeast Ohio's Hispanic community stays connected through vibrant events and support organizations.

Expand Your Spanish-Speaking Opportunities in Cleveland with Kent State

If you’re looking to take the next step in your career, Kent State can help you hone your skills so you can apply them in diverse roles. Our Department of Modern and Classical Language Studies (MCLS) offers numerous programs for Spanish, including:

Our programs will prepare you for your future career, helping you to better serve the Hispanic community of Ohio and beyond.

Contact Us

Ready to get started? Request information from our staff or apply to a program today! We look forward to assisting you.