ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE PROGRAM
| Purpose: | The purpose of English as a Second Language program is to open doors of opportunity for adults and out-of-school youth with limited English proficiency skills to improve their language and life skills to improve the quality of lives. |
| History: | English as a Second Language is a sub-population group of the Adult Basic Education program which was created by federal law in the 1960s. |
| Eligibility: | Individuals 16 years or older and out-of-school who have limited English proficiency are eligible to enroll. |
| Locations: | English as a Second Language is provided by school districts, community colleges, libraries, and community centers. |
| Number of Participants: | There are more than 1,000 students enrolled annually. |
| Demographic Information: | 59% of the students do not speak English at all or very good and 31% want to improve their English writing skills. Most students indicate that English language communication is an obstacle to daily living and/or obtaining work. |
| Program Results: | English as a Second Language students obtain jobs, get promotions, learn to communicate with their children in English or to understand what their children are doing in school and learn to communicate in their community. |
| Cost to Participants: | There are no charges to the program participant by federal law that prohibits charging students for service. (This program is federally funded. There is a 25% required state/local match.) |
| Community Linkages and Public Support: | Linkages and collaborative efforts with social service and other agencies have been developed. |
For more information, please contact the Deparment of Education at (302) 857-3340.
