English Empowerment Center

Program Overview

Established in 1962, English Empowerment Center (EEC) serves 1,500 learners annually who come from 70 different countries and speak 40 different languages through its various course offerings and services.

Beginning-level English Classes
Beginning-level English classes teach the foundation skills adult English language learners (ELLs) need to learn to speak, understand, read, and write English. Offered at several locations through the region, classes are held at least two nights a week for two hour class sessions and are closed enrollment. The curriculum focuses on American culture and life skills important to the workplace, community, and family, which includes an introduction to technology through blended learning. See our current class schedule.

Family Learning Program Classes
The Family Learning Program (FLP) provides English language instruction classes for parents or caregivers, while their children participate in reading and writing activities and receive guidance with their homework. At least twice a month, the children join the adult class for PACT (Parent and Child Together Time) activities. The class also encourages reading as a family activity through workshops, book give-a-ways, and fieldtrips. Classes are held throughout the region and in partnership with our local public schools.

Skills-based Classes
Skills-based courses delve deeper than EEC Beginning-Level English classes, giving learners the option of focusing exclusively on the specific skills they need to succeed.

Destination Workforce®
Destination Workforce® delivers career-specific language and literacy training to immigrants at the lowest literacy levels in Northern Virginia. The program teaches adults basic skills in language and literacy to improve their employability and empower them to participate more fully and confidently in the workplace. Through Destination Workforce, EEC designs, tests, and delivers scalable language-based workforce training for today's limited English proficient population living under challenging conditions. EEC teaches immigrants the foundational language, literacy, and cultural skills needed to obtain, succeed and advance in entry level jobs. This unique initiative offers language access to career pathways for those seeking a fast track to an entry level job.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

"I arrived from Peru 2 years ago thanks to my mom. Everything is still different and difficult. I do not go to the meetings at my daughter's school because of shame and fear of not knowing how to speak English. One day, my daughter cried because I could not help her or be present at the Awards of her school. I was encouraged to study English so I can help her in her school projects and also be able to practice my career as a nurse. Now that I am studying, I am convinced that I will be able to speak English well without fear of being wrong so I can help my daughter with everything and be able to work on what I like. The love of my daughter is what drives me to continue studying and I know that I will achieve it and fulfill my goals. Thank you."

--- Erica, Student