Programs
Our individualized tutoring program is ideal for those who are unable to attend classes offered by the school districts because of work schedules, childcare issues or transportation needs. In addition, many of our clients are unable to function in formal classes because of their lack of prior education and ability to read. Our professional staff train and supervise volunteers who tutor our students. Currently we offer five programs, each designed to serve a particular subset of students.The computer lab is available to every student. All of our programs are free of charge to the students.
One on One Tutoring
Many of our students work more than one job and have limited free time to attend a regularly scheduled class. Matching the availability of our volunteers with the needs of the student, we arrange tutoring sessions that fit their schedules and adjust to their educational background. Most of our students are at a very low level of English proficiency; for them, we focus on “survival English.”
Empowering Parents
This program gives parents access to English instruction through their child’s school, either during the school day or in the evening. Besides improving their English, the classes help parents become more active participants in their children’s education and integrate them more fully into their communities. Studies show that children whose parents learn English do better in school.
Conversation Groups
Higher level students are served by gathering in small groups focused on speaking and listening activities led by a trained volunteer. Groups are organized in locations easily accessible to the participants. The benefits of conversation practice with native speakers as well as their peers help these students improve their English proficiency and prepare them for greater success in the larger community.
Workplace Literacy
Whatever the job, employees work better and more safely if they can communicate with other workers and management.Additionally, those who speak English earn on average 25% more than those who don’t. Where sufficient numbers of non-English speakers are employed, it is advantageous to bring ESL instruction to the workplace. ESLC offers on-site programs led by professional instructors to area companies to fill this need.
University Neighborhood Partners (UNP) project at Hartland Apartments
We are one of 4 non-profit organizations collaborating with several departments from the University of Utah to provide a comprehensive approach to stability for refugee and immigrant families at a low-income apartment complex on the west side of Salt Lake City. ESLC provides English language support for the adults of the program’s families through volunteers teaching small group ESL classes. Link to University Neighborhood Partners.
Computer Lab
ESLC hosts an on-site computer lab for our students. Basic computer skills are taught in the classes. Students can be trained in the basics of the Microsoft Office suite as well as learn to type with Mavis Beacon. Several self-paced programs for varying levels of English proficiency are available. For very beginning level students, “Total Physical Response” software helps them learn vocabulary through video and still photos. Rosetta Stone, a powerful and fun computer-based learning tool and Focus On Grammar are available for beginning to intermediate students.