The most significant barrier facing millions of adult immigrants and refugees is learning English. Limited English proficiency is an obstacle to fully integrating into life in the U.S.— getting a good job, having educational options, helping your children succeed in school, and participating in civic life. Nearly 90% of people in the U.S. who are limited English proficient (LEP) are immigrants.

 

Centro Hispano’s program helps beginning English speakers develop skills needed for success in daily living and work in the community. Each lesson has listening, speaking, reading and writing activities to help new English speakers succeed.
 

Students sign up for 10-16 week sessions and are assessed before they begin to ensure they are the correct level for the classes offered. Our volunteer teachers use lessons and activities adapted from the Cambridge Ventures program for beginning English speakers, a six-level, standards-based ESL series for adult education. Ventures features an integrated-skills approach that teaches practical communication. There is a student registration fee of $20 for each session to offset program costs and indicate commitment from our adult participants.

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In-person classes for beginning English speakers are held 3 nights a week at Centro Hispano’s office on West Patrick Street. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday classes meet for 1 ½ hours. Please contact Allison Rice via our Volunteer Form with any questions about volunteering.