English Learning Center

Program Overview

We are a learning community of adult learners, advocates, staff, and volunteer teachers.

We are dedicated to supporting adult learners seeking to increase their English literacy as they navigate life in the U.S.

Learn English

Our Community

Students at the English Learning Center came to the U.S. as immigrants or refugees, representing countries all around the world. Each student brings a unique set of experiences that adds to the diversity of our learning community.

We welcome students from many educational backgrounds. For some, the ELC is their first formal educational experience. For others, our school offers a chance to brush up on skills before pursuing education at a higher level. Everything we do is informed by their input, goals and needs.

Our volunteers and staff also bring a variety of life experiences to our classes. Thanks to our team of volunteers, the ELC is able to offer smaller class sizes where students can receive individualized attention. Together, we listen to and learn from each other to cultivate an educational community that prioritizes our learners. We are so glad you’re here – welcome!

What We Do

At the most basic: Education. Opportunity. Community.

We provide free, culturally sensitive English language education, as well as classes in math, digital literacy, and citizenship preparation. We strive to meet learners where they are by offering high quality classes at different levels, at different times, for different abilities, and in different modalities.

Our work is grounded in relationships. We care deeply about the well-being of each other and treat individuals with dignity and respect, acknowledging and appreciating each person’s needs, dreams, languages and culture.

Our Community

Our 350 students came to the U.S. as immigrants or refugees, representing more than 24 countries; many identify now as U.S. citizens or adult learners. Our students speak over 17 first languages, and our staff can assist in up to 13 of those languages.

We welcome students from many educational backgrounds. For some, the ELC is their first formal educational experience; for others, our school offers a chance to brush up on skills before pursuing education at a higher level. Our students are parents, grandparents, poets, workers, doulas, neighbors, and leaders in their community, including that of the ELC. Everything we do is informed by their input and expertise.

Our 100+ volunteers and 10 ELC staff also bring a variety of life experiences to our classrooms. Together, we listen to and learn from each other to cultivate an educational community that prioritizes the needs and goals of our learners. We are so glad you’re here – welcome!

What We Do

At the most basic: Education. Opportunity. Community.

We provide free, culturally sensitive English language education, as well as classes in math, digital literacy, and citizenship preparation. We strive to meet learners where they are by offering high quality classes at different levels, at different times, for different abilities, and in different modalities.

Our work is grounded in relationships. We care deeply about the well-being of each other and treat individuals with dignity and respect, acknowledging and appreciating each person’s needs, dreams, languages and culture.

Why It Matters

From healthcare to banking, transportation and shopping to employment, access to language and literacy impacts every aspect of our lives. But learning another language, on top of adjusting to a completely new place and culture (and climate!) is hard. Especially when systems are built against you and you’re expected to do it on your own.

That’s why the English Learning Center exists. Because we believe that no one should have to navigate life in a new country alone, especially after years, often decades, of trauma and loss. Our immigrant and refugee neighbors are just that – neighbors. And neighbors help each other.