LearningWorks

Our English Language + Literacy (ELL) program provides immigrants, refugees, and their families the chance to thrive in our country by offering free English language instruction, one-on-one tutoring, and cultural literacy skills. Our classrooms include adults from diverse backgrounds and experiences from all over the world including Angola, Barbados, Brazil, Burundi, Cameroon, China, Congo, Djibouti, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Guatemala, Honduras, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Jamaica, Lebanon, Philippines, Rwanda, Russia, Somalia, South Korea, Sudan, Taiwan, Thailand, Ukraine, and Vietnam.

The English Language + Literacy Program offers:
Individualized learning programs to gain the skills necessary to be independent in a new country
Focus on real-life situations to provide students with the practical experience
Learner-centered, context-based lessons geared to students at varying levels from a variety of countries and cultures
Communication skills that enable students to understand spoken English, be understood by others, read with comprehension, and express themselves in written form

Our Service Works program provides community service projects for young people making amends for non-violent offenses as a positive alternative to suspension or incarceration. We employ restorative justice-based practices because studies show that youth who engage in service make positive connections to their community and gain confidence from finding success in meaningful work. Our Service Works participants spend time writing about their experiences, setting goals for the future, and giving back by volunteering for a homeless shelter or food pantry, serving a community meal, or rehabilitating a public space by removing graffiti.

Our LearningWorks YouthBuild (LWYB) program serves teens and young adults who have struggled to find their way in the traditional education system. Since 1994, we have helped high school dropouts aged 16-24 successfully transition to adulthood through an alternative education model that includes HiSET exam preparation, construction skills training, leadership development, job skills, and life skills. Through YBA, these young adults obtain important certifications including NCCER, OSHA-10, ServSafe, and more. Almost all advance toward postsecondary education or career-oriented employment. In addition to the program itself, we offer one year of follow-up services to our graduates to support their transition to continued education and the workforce.