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Butler County Community College Adult Literacy & Education Support 

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Butler County Community College Adult Literacy & Education Support 

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Program Name and Location:

English as a Second Language (ESL) / Adult Literacy Program

Locations:

BC3 Main Campus (in Butler Township, PA)

BC3 @ Cranberry (in Cranberry Township, PA)

Program Description:

This program offers free adult‐literacy courses in English as a Second Language (ESL) for non‐English speakers. It includes ESL Beginners and ESL English (intermediate) courses that focus on improving reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills so individuals can navigate daily life, communicate with medical providers, make appointments, engage more fully in their communities, and support their children’s schooling. BC3's adult literacy program began in 1986 and ESL tutoring began in 1989. Formal ESL courses started in the early 1990s.

Justification as a Resource:

It provides free language instruction to adults, enabling them to better support their children’s education, communicate with schools, and advocate for their families.

It fosters social inclusion and builds independence for adult learners who may feel isolated in a new culture or language environment.

It directly supports family‐engagement goals. When adult family members gain English proficiency, school‐home communication improves, and children’s academic success has stronger support.

It is locally accessible and responsive to the increasing diversity of the Butler County region (individuals come from more than a dozen language groups) which aligns with supporting MLL families in our community.

Contact Information:

Website:

Adult Literacy & Education Support | BC3

Adult Literacy Program Phone:

724-287-8711 ext. 8350

Main College Address:

107 College Drive, Butler PA 16002

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Adult Literacy & Education Support | BC3

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Free adult education classes at BC3: GED, ESL, math, reading, and tech skills. Flexible options to fit your life.

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Program Name and Location

Name: Multicultural Community Resource Center

Location: 554 East 10th Street Erie, PA 16503

Program Description

This program provides a variety of services to the refugee, immigrant, Latino, and New American population. They assist them with many needs they have including spiritual, social, individual needs, familial needs, and much more. The MCRC provides a variety of support and the beautiful thing about this program is that all classes and services are free of charge and funded by the government and grants so these individuals do not have to worry about trying to pay for the services they need to succeed. The supports this program provides includes refugee social services, truancy prevention and C.A.R.E program, language services, immigration support, english as a second language program, Latino services, child care, refugee school impact, and diversity training. Focusing on the specifics for this module, the English as a Second Language program for this resource provides free in-person classes assisting in conversation skills, reading and writing skills, listening skills, vocabulary needed to keep and gain employment, american customs and culture, and U.S. history. This program also provides one-on-one and small group teaching when it is needed. The Language program within this resource was another one that really stood out to me. It was established in 1975 to improve access to services for Limited English Proficiency individuals. Some of the services within this program include verbal interpretations for legal situations, medical appointments, social and school settings, court hearings, telephone communication, and so much more. Each different program provides a variety of ways that it operates including some in-person classes and some virtual/phone call options.

Justification as a Resource

This resources has multiple programs embedded within it that are specific towards the needs that families may have. This resource provides free english as a second language classes for adults and they even take the time to see what "level" these individuals are on and place them in a class that meets their level and will most benefit their learning.

This resource also provides the much needed support to new americans and provides the comfort and the sense of these people not being in it alone by providing language assistance for appointments, conferences, school events, and much more. The assistance from these programs can make these adults and families feel like they are not alone and that they are not an outcast being new to the area, all while giving them valuable tools to engage with the community that they are new to.

This resource has also grown from just serving the Latino/Hispanic community and they are just continuing to grow and become more diverse with the ethnicities that they are able to support. I also really like how this resource has a great focus on language and communication assistance but they also took the time to think about other things that families may need while they are enhancing their education such as a safe environment for their children to be while they are learning, which is provided by the child care program in this resource.

Contact Information

Website:

https://www.mcrcerie.org/home/projects/

Phone:

814-455-0212

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Multicultural Community Resource Center - MCRC

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The MCRC provides a variety of educational and employment programs to the Immigrant and Refugee populations in Erie

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Literacy Pittsburgh

411 Seventh Avenue

Suite 525

Pittsburgh, PA  15219

412-393-7600

Program Description: Literacy Pittsburgh provides complimentary educational programs for adults and families in Allegheny and Beaver Counties. In the previous year, they assisted over 4,000 individuals in the Greater Pittsburgh region to enhance their abilities in reading, writing, mathematics, English language, digital literacy, and workplace skills. Adult literacy courses and tutoring guide students from education to employment, supporting their success as employees, parents, and community members.  In terms of offerings for ESL students there are English classes, Citizenship classes, and Immigrant services and connections.

Justification as a Resource:

Free English courses focus on speaking and listening skills, succeeding in the workplace, and navigating daily life in a new city and culture. Teaching is personalized to each student's current skill level and goals. Students practice English as a second language with teachers and classmates who are also eager to learn.  Both online and in-person English language learning options are available in group or one to one settings.

Teachers and tutors will help students study for citizenship and guide them through the process. They will help students understand what is required for the citizenship application, improve their English speaking and reading skills, prepare for the interview, and study for the citizenship test. They can also connect students to legal resources for help completing the citizenship application if needed.

The Immigrant Services and Connections program helps immigrants in Allegheny County who are struggling to meet the daily needs of their families. They will speak to immigrants in their native language, listen to questions and assist with problem solving (food, healthcare,childcare, rent, utilities, and transportation). This could illeviate anxiety and provide important relationships in their new community.

Contact Information:

info@literacypittsburgh.org/412-393-7600

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YWCA of Westmoreland County

424 North Main Street

Greensburg, PA 15601

724-834-9390

Program Description:The general mission of the YWCA is to uplift women and eradicate racial injustice, engage with their community at their most vulnerable points, offer empathy and resources that guide women towards independence and success.  They envision a future where all women and their families can reach their fullest potential in a society free from bias. They offer free ESL classes, an International Women’s group and a Working Women’s closet.

Justification as a Resource:

This YWCA offers ESL classes that focus on speaking, listening, vocabulary, and writing skills.

The International Women’s Group offers a space for women to connect and form friendships, exchange and discover information about the United States, enhance their English skills, and integrate into a new community.

The Working Women’s Closet provides women with a professional interview outfit and three additional professional outfits for work. I added this because I think wardrobe could be a possible complication for immigrant women when pursuing a career.

Contact Information

Liz Stahl

724-755-3886

elizabeth.stahl@iu1.org