English Learning Center

Your gift will help us move beyond COVID, as we transform and grow our work to respond to the critical need for education in our community.

YOUR GIFT WILL HELP US SERVE TWICE AS MANY STUDENTS AS WE DID BEFORE COVID.

When the pandemic began, we never expected that nearly half of our students would tell us they preferred to stay online. But we found that online learning fit better into many students' lives, as they managed chaotic work schedules and cared for young children or elderly family members. It also removed barriers for those previously limited by mobility, geographic distance, or transportation.

At the same time, the other half of our students were eager to return in-person, missing the personal connections that are hard to replicate on a screen.

This fall, in response to these diverse student needs, we resumed in-person classes, while also continuing all levels of English classes online - effectively doubling the number of students we are able to serve. Your gift will provide the necessary supplies, technology, volunteer support, and staffing to make this growth possible.

Our mission is building knowledge for better lives and livelihoods. Each year, we welcome nearly 400 adult English language learners who came to the United States as immigrants, many with refugee status. Our students reflect the incredible diversity of the Twin Cities community – representing 19 countries and speaking 15 languages.