Discovery Language Academy opens state-of-the-art collaborative workspace hub

December 8, 2023 : The Herald News, Lurdes C. da Silva

NEW BEDFORD – The new HUB 128 collaborative workspace in downtown New Bedford combines leading-edge technology with a functional and aesthetically appealing approach.

An extension to the Discovery Language Academy at the DeMello International Center on Union Street, HUB 128 was created with the goal of providing a friendly, smart space to facilitate the cross-fertilization of ideas and initiatives to address barriers to economic development by a large segment of the area’s population, according to the school’s executive director Dr. Leslie Vicente.

“My vision for this co-op space was really economic development,” said Dr. Vicente. “The idea is to create paths to higher education by providing educational opportunities to our community and providing skill development opportunities to help elevate the economy.”

Located at 128 Union St., HUB 128 was established with a $50,000 grant awarded by MassDevelopment and matching funds from the DeMello Charitable Foundation ($25,000) and Bridgewater State University ($25,000 in-kind donation).

Subsequently, it received another $25,000 grant from MassDevelopment, which was matched with a monetary and in-kind donation by the DeMello Charitable Foundation.

“The hub is there to make people’s lives better,” Dr. Vicente said.

She said the mission of HUB 128 is to provide skill development and training opportunities in the areas of language acquisition, cultural understanding, and career education to achieve personal, professional, and vocational goals.

“One of our big populations is the immigrant population,” Dr. Vicente said. “They hold many of the jobs that make this machine run, which is our city, but they lack a lot of financial, social and digital literacy services.”

The Discovery Language Academy currently uses the space to offer an intermediate level English as a Second Language (ESL) class. The beginner ESL class is taught across the hall in one of DLA’s classrooms.

“We have 58 ESL students and 18 on the waiting list,” Dr. Vicente said. “The idea is for immigrants or low-income families to come to the hub and have access to computers and take part in workshops. We’ve used the hub for financial literacy – Baybank has been here to teach them about finances. Eversource is also coming in to explain how to read bills and what to do if one falls back on his bill.”

Who can use HUB 128?

HUB 128 is available as a single or collaborative working space for organizations, private groups, students and more.

When not being used by its partners, the space is available for rent, offering a collaborative work environment for start-ups, enterprises and professionals, Dr. Vicente said. It can be used for meetings, conferences, trainings, workshops, and other services.

“HUB 128 is a state-of-the-art digital technology space created to harness the creativity and talents within as well as outside the diverse communities in New Bedford,” Dr. Vicente said.

What amenities does HUB 128 offer?

Designed pro bono by Architect Joseph da Silva of Design Collaborative Studio, LLC of Fall River, the 1,800-square-foot smart workspace features a welcoming area and open seating and meeting areas with high-end technology and high-speed internet.

Offering teleconference and broadcast capabilities, the hub is equipped with 14 working stations, PC computers and monitors, 30 Chromebooks, printer, SmartBoard, podium with a built-in microphone, TV with a 360º camera and conference speaker, 150-inch screen, projector, surround sound, hurtle stations, and a separate Zoom Room that can seat eight people and is licensed to hold virtual meetings with up to 600 people, among other amenities.

HUB 128 is ‘super convenient’

Better Community Living (BCL) family support center, which provides person-centered services to adults and children with autism and developmental disabilities as they strive for greater independence in their community, has been utilizing the hub Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We’re seeing a lot more families come see us here. Most of our families are in the New Bedford area and it’s easier to come here than it is to go to our site in Dartmouth. There’s bus transportation and a lot of families live near here, so it’s walkable for them,” explained BCL Family Support Coordinator Leslie Lopes.

Four BCL staff members - who speak Portuguese, Spanish or Cape Verdean Creole - usually work at the hub.

Jessica Martins, also a family support coordinator, said the space is not only super convenient but also offers great working conditions.

“It’s nice and quiet,” she said. “The technology here is great. We have space to sit down with them (clients). There are computers here they can use to fill out applications. Individuals who are part of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) are referred to us, but we can also fill out the application for them to get services.”

How much do HUB 128 co-working memberships cost?

HUB 128 can be used Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on weekends if special arrangements are made.

The new HUB 128 collaborative workspace in downtown New Bedford combines leading-edge technology with a functional and aesthetically appealing approach. The space is equipped with computers, SmartBoard, projector, wall-sized screen, separate licensed Zoom Room and more.

There are several co-working membership options, including full-time (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) for $200/month and reserved station (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) for $250/month. Special rates are available for non-profit organizations and Discovery Language Academy partners and supporters.

Dr. Vicente said several entities are already utilizing the hub.

Milestone Mortgage Solutions had held meetings there; the SouthCoast Community Foundation used it for a presentation; the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center is planning to have staff meetings there; and House of Gamboa has been using the space for its art gallery.

“One of the reasons they like here is because we’re here until 7 p.m. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, we have staff here until 8 p.m. A lot of these co-op spaces close at 5 p.m.,” Dr. Vicente said.

For more information about HUB 128, call 508-997-8295 or visit https://www.discoverylanguageacademy.org and click on HUB 128.