Eden Prairie residents and families of students enrolled in Eden Prairie Schools are invited to apply to take part in free adult English language classes during the 2023-24 school year.
The courses are being offered by Eden Prairie Schools Community Education through its Family School program and in partnership with Metro South Adult Basic Education (MSABE), which provides the teachers. Learners will have the option of free childcare during class time if they live within Eden Prairie Schools boundaries or have students open enrolled in Eden Prairie Schools.
Olivia Antilla, outreach and engagement supervisor at EP Schools Community Education, said the classes are attended by a diverse group of adult learners from many different backgrounds, cultures, and countries.
“We really want any individual who is looking to excel their English and gain more English skills to come to these classes,” she said. “Anyone who has language barriers or barriers to accessing programming, we are here to help with that. Sometimes we can also help with transportation to classes if necessary.”
Classes will be held in person starting in September, twice a week from 9:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Lessons will take place at the Community Education Building, Little Eagles/Early Childhood, Door 11, 8100 School Road, Eden Prairie. The free childcare or preschool will be available on-site for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, although space is limited.
There will be two levels of classes, intermediate and advanced. Prospective students must take reading comprehension exams to determine class placement. Each section has room for about 25 students. Registration is filling fast, so Antilla encouraged applying as soon as possible.
Cultural liaisons on staff are available to help with class registration and on site testing. For English assistance, contact Olivia Antilla, oantilla@edenpr.org; for Spanish assistance, contact Pamela Orellana, pamela_orellana@edenpr.k12.mn.us; and for Somali assistance, contact Saida Sharif, ssharif@edenpr.org.
EP Schools Community Education is also offering classes in conjunction with MSABE at the Eden Prairie Library. These classes will start on Sep. 25 and will be held Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. Registration and testing, which are necessary to be placed in a class, will take place on Sep. 13 or 20. To learn more, contact Katy at (952) 681-6123.
Antilla said that if the time and location of these classes does not work for people who would otherwise like to enroll in them, they should still reach out for help finding another time or location.
Additional opportunities for adult learners, volunteers, and prospective teachers
EP Schools Community Education offers other enrichment and learning opportunities through its Adult Learning Program, which includes hundreds of classes including computer courses, dance, financial planning, fitness, hobbies, music, language, personal growth and wellness, cooking and more. Register for a class here.
It also helps adult English language learners, people pursuing United States citizenship and individuals who want to achieve their high school diploma or GED. Learn more here.
EP Schools Community Education also offers opportunities to teach classes, and is currently accepting course proposals with a priority deadline of July 21. Fall 2023 classes will run from Sep. 11 to Dec. 22, 2023. Submit an application here.
MSABE is headquartered in Bloomington. In addition to the EP Schools classes, it offers courses through other school districts, at its Bloomington campus, and at Hennepin Technical College.
According to the organization’s website, “As advocates of lifelong learning, MSABE volunteers have helped thousands of students prepare for the GED test, earn a high school diploma, or learn English as a second language.” Learn more here about MSABE’s programming and how to volunteer or support the organization.
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