Washington English Center

Program Overview

Washington English Center (WEC) is a community-based nonprofit located in Washington, DC. Founded in 1993, our mission is to provide affordable English-language instruction and workforce programs to adult immigrants using volunteers.

Each year. WEC welcomes students from over 100 countries. In the last year alone, 750 volunteers supported 1,300 students in learning to read, write, listen to, and speak English with greater fluency and confidence.

We offer group English classes–daytime and evenings, online and in-person–to meet the busy schedules of our students. WEC also offers individual tutoring and citizenship preparation. Our workforce services include resume writing and interview preparation, as well as a Business English club and employer events.

We charge minimal tuition for our classes and tutoring. Still, students needing financial assistance may apply for full or partial scholarships. All clubs, field trips, and social events are free for registered students.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

Student quote 1:

"I'm Daniel Pierre Aimé. I'm from Haïti. Creole and French are my basic languages. My wife and I moved toDC in July 2016.The same week I went to Washington English Center to start an English class.I found WEC online. I read some good reviews about it. It's not far from my house. It's less expensive than other places. To addition to that, I read that people are nice in that place. This is my place, I said! WEC helps me to improve my English. I had some basic, but I was afraid to talk. WEC helps me to remove my complexes. I have conversation class and this is a real conversation class. You talk, you read, you discuss! This is the best way to speak a foreign language. With WEC, I'm in the best way. See you at the top!"

Student quote 2:

"I'm Leife and I'm from Caracas, Venezuela. I'm studying English because I need to communicate with other people in this country. I also need to work and help my children with their homework. I found out about the school from my mother since she studied English here. I chose Washington English Center because it is an accessible school. It is not expensive and it's close to my home. The schedule is very convenient for my daily activities and it's also flexible. I like the method of teaching the language, the alternation of teachers, and the willingness of them to teach. Also, the structure is excellent. Learning English has helped me to understand many things. It has helped me help my children with their homework and will help me with socialization and integration in this country."

Teacher quote:

"I started volunteering at WEC eight years ago after hearing about it from a friend. I appreciate how friendly and well run the organization is, which makes our jobs as volunteers easier! I look forward to teaching each week because of the energy and motivation that the students bring to the classroom. DC attracts such a wide variety of backgrounds from countries I would never learn about otherwise. I have learned so much from their stories. Spending time with the students each week brings such different perspectives and is a refreshing break from my daily routine. Every time I travel to a different country, I come back with a renewed respect for how hard it is to get to know a new language and culture. Being a part of their journey is truly inspiring!"