ESL & Literacy Program

Program Overview

Our ESL Program meets the individual needs of men and women in our community through a variety of different ESL and Literacy Programs, including: ESL English Pronunciation Classes, Conversation Classes, Book Club, Walk and Talk, Citizenship Preparation Classes and Bring Your Own Device. The Y is able to offer many of these programs through our collaboration with Literacy New Jersey, who provide volunteer tutors to support our ESL, Literacy and Citizenship programs.

Five of our six programs are free and all are led by volunteers. The remaining English Pronunciation Class charges a one-time fee of $20.00 which is applied to the initial assessment to determine their skill level. A YMCA membership is not required to participate in the classes. Classes are offered in group settings and individual settings, as needed. Classes
are available year-round varying between 5- and 8-week sessions depending on the class, and some are offered during the day as well as in the evening to accommodate work schedules.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

ESL Program participant Hui Zhong, or better known by her American name of Vivien, spoke about her experience arriving in America knowing very little English. "When I arrived in America, the only other person I knew was my husband", said Vivien. "So I googled ESL classes and now, I have a new family at the Y".