Youth ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
The Youth ESOL Program is a new educational initiative serving multilingual learners (MLs) ages 16 and older at the beginner to intermediate levels of English proficiency. The program will serve up to 30 students per cohort and combines structured English instruction with enrichment workshops that reinforce real-world language use and leadership development.
A key strength of this initiative is its integrated, cross-departmental design. Participants will gain exposure to LCW’s broader ecosystem, including financial empowerment workshops, PODER Institute, ALAS, CAMBIO, healthcare internships, and other leadership and civic engagement opportunities. This integration allows students to apply language learning in practical contexts while envisioning long-term pathways within LCW.
Program Dates, Schedule, and Location
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First Modified Cohort Dates: March 2, 2026 – June 24, 2026 (no class during LPS April vacation week)
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Fall Cohort: September 2026 - June 2027 (no class during December, February, and April vacation)
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Schedule: Three days per week (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday)
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Time: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
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Two days of English language instruction
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One day of workshops and applied learning
Location: LCW Our House, Room 2
March 2, 2026, the first day of class, will serve as an orientation session focused on program goals, expectations, and participant agreements. Students under 18 must attend orientation with a parent, legal guardian, or adult representative.
Student Eligibility and Enrollment
Interested students will complete a Google interest form. Yaritza Rizzo, Senior Community Organizer, will contact students to confirm eligibility and enrollment. Student RSVPs will be tracked in an Excel spreadsheet, and LCW will maintain a waitlist if enrollment capacity is reached.
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Students must be 16 years of age or older.
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Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or adult representative at orientation.
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Interested students will complete a Google interest form.
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Yaritza Rizzo, Senior Community Organizer, will contact interested students to confirm eligibility and enrollment.
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Student RSVPs will be tracked in an Excel spreadsheet, and LCW will maintain an active waitlist if enrollment capacity is reached.
Curriculum and Instruction
The curriculum emphasizes:
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Practical communication skills
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Interactive and contextualized instruction
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A four-skill approach (reading, writing, listening, speaking)
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Application of English in academic, workplace, and daily life contexts
Instruction will be supported by structured materials and enrichment workshops tied to students’ lived experiences and future pathways.
