In August and September, we will participate in a number of community events in order to spread the word about our programs – inviting new learners into our classes. If you would like to represent LCNV as a community outreach volunteer at one of these fun events, please let me know!
LCNV’s Destination Workforce® program continues to grow to meet the need for language-based workforce training for English language learners at the lowest literacy levels. With our partners at the Korean Community Service Center, we created an English for Work course, designed to give students the language, writing, and the soft skills they need to find and secure employment. At Dar Al-Hijrah, we are now halfway through our summer 8-week Intensive Class, which meets 4 days per week for 4 hours each day. This course was initially conceived in 2017 at the request of the City of Alexandria Workforce Development Agency, which could not identify an English as a Second Language (ESL) provider that could serve its non-literate refugee clients. We are proud of its growth and to have served over 130 students to date with this unique initiative. Come fall, we will need a team of class aides to support our learners in these classes.
LCNV’s Beginning English classes will start the week of September 23. In addition to the classes at locations in Alexandria, Annandale, Falls Church, Herndon, and Lorton, we are excited to announce that we are adding a new class in partnership with Fairfax County Public Library at the Sherwood Regional Library in Mt. Vernon! This location will allow us to reach English language learners in an area of great need in Alexandria. Do you live near Mt. Vernon? Consider helping with the new Sherwood class as a teacher or class aide!
LCNV’s Family Learning Program (FLP) was designed to give parents and caregivers the English language skills that they need to support their children’s education and development. FLP classes took a break for the summer but will resume in the fall at these locations: Crestwood Elementary School (Springfield), John Adams Elementary School – relocating from Brent Place Apartments (Alexandria), New Brookside Apartments (Alexandria), Glasgow Middle School, and Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center. In every FLP class, class aides are needed to support the learners who have a range of language abilities – from very beginner to intermediate.
If volunteering as a teacher or a class aide interests you, attend the LCNV Instructor Training Session on August 24th, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM at James Lee Community Center.
In order to register for a class, our English learners must first take an oral proficiency test called BEST Plus 2.0 which is administered by trained assessment specialists. Assessment specialists also test learners at the end of the semester in order to measure their progress. We anticipate needing additional assessment specialists this year so if you are (a) a good listener; (b) detail-oriented; (c) someone who likes meeting people from all over the world; and (d) looking for a flexible volunteer role, please sign up for the BEST Plus 2.0 training on September 7th, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM at James Lee Community Center.
As you can see, there are a lot of ways to serve and make an impact at LCNV. To find out more or to get started, attend our upcoming LCNV 101 Information Session on July 31st at 7 PM at the James Lee Community Center in Falls Church!
If you’ve already participated in an Information Session or Volunteer Orientation, and are interested in any of the opportunities mentioned above, contact Amy Tristan, our Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, at atristan@englishempowermentcenter.org.