39 Launched with the Support of Seneca HELIX: HOLA At the Hispanic Open Learning Academy (HOLA), there are no textbooks. Instead, students practice using an open learning approach and curriculum that engages all five senses through play, music, art and other activities. Founded in 2020 by Patricia Dominguez, HOLA is a Spanish language academy offering private lessons and tutoring for adults and children via certified and native speakers. Originally from Colombia with a background in finance, Ms. Dominguez was inspired to start HOLA after learning English in Canada. “I needed to find ways to retain vocabulary, whether that was through drawing or by games,” Ms. Dominguez says. “Open learning is a concept that’s not based on the regular education system. Through activities and extracurricular things, this allows students to think and have fun in the language, rather than focus solely on formal grammar.” “HELIX has become the biggest supporter … never have I seen an accelerator offering this kind of continuous financial support” HOLA’s diverse suite of programs ensures students of all ages can learn Spanish, either in person or virtually, while having fun and meeting others. The program originated as an extracurricular, after-school program in partnership with the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board. There are currently 100 online courses available. A new e-learning platform for Spanish lessons on demand is also in development. This September, HOLA will open a new location in Whitby, Ont., bringing services to the Durham Region population. For adult clients, Ms. Dominguez visits corporate offices or spaces to deliver instruction in person. In 2019, shortly before launching HOLA, Ms. Dominguez encountered HELIX. “I knew I wanted to teach Spanish, but on a massive scale … I didn’t want to be a tutor; I wanted tutors under an umbrella, and that’s where the idea of HOLA was born,” she says. “The Spanish programs we deliver to our students are exceptionally and professionally created due to both the mentorship and grants offered by HELIX.” A recipient of the Seneca HELIX Catalyst Fund, Ms. Dominguez says that the financial support, as well as the access to free coaching and mentorship, allowed her to confidently launch the business and incorporate a marketing strategy. To date, more than 1,200 students across the Greater Toronto Area have registered with HOLA. “HELIX has become the biggest supporter … never have I seen an accelerator offering this kind of continuous financial support,” she says. “I am so grateful to HELIX and for the mentorship I have received over the last four years.” Patricia Dominguez, Founder, HOLA, was inspired to help students have fun while learning Spanish.
