Program Eligibility

CARIBE is the education provider for Refugee Resettlement Services in Hillsborough County and is funded through the Florida Department of Children and Families as contracted by Lutheran Services of Florida. As a result, new entrants interested in enrolling in the CARIBE program must first register with Lutheran Services of Florida and obtain a referral for education services.

You are eligible for enrollment in the CARIBE program if you are part of a special population supported by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (including refugee, asylee, parolee, or special immigrant status). The eligibility period is 5 years beginning on the date of entry into the United States. For more information regarding eligibility for refugee services, please contact or visit:

Lutheran Services of Florida:

3527 W. Waters Avenue

Tampa, FL 33614

(813) 875-1408

Program Enrollment

Placement Exam

All clients must complete Reading and Listening CASAS STEPS exams to determine English language proficiency and class placement. The exams will be administered to clients on a computer at enrollment. Please plan to spend 3 hours at the enrollment office for initial registration and testing.

For more information on the Reading and Listening CASAS STEPS

exams, please visit CASAS Assessment Overviews.

Please visit our enrollment offices at Erwin Technical College or at our Lois location. You will need to bring the following documents to enroll:

Referral Form for Education Services from Lutheran Services of Florida
Passport or other form of Travel Identification
I-94 Form
U.S. Entry Documentation (Travel Authorization, Parole Stamp, Notice to Appear, etc...)
Employment Authorization (Work Permit) if applicable
SNAP or Medicaid Benefits Cards if applicable

Enrollment Office Locations

CARIBE @ Erwin Technical College

2010 E. Hillsborough Avenue
Tampa, FL 33610

(813) 231-1972

CARIBE @ Lois:

5630 Lois Avenue
Tampa, FL 33614

(813) 872-5348

Questions about Enrollment or Eligibility?

Please complete the form below to have a CARIBE enrollment staff member contact you with more information regarding eligibility and enrollment: