CLG a MCAEL Bridge

June 28, 2021

MCAEL is working with local organizations to create Community Learning Groups (CLGs), learning spaces that connect learners and community members to ESOL (sometimes for the first time) in their communities. An important part of MCAEL’s Racial Equity Strategic Plan, the CLG program focuses on two objectives: 1) helping more adults in East County and other areas with fewer English classes to find a pathway to improving their English skills, and 2) increasing the number and diversity of trained adult ESOL instructors.

The 9-week CLG ESOL class model builds on existing social ties, working with key community leaders to introduce ESOL to learners through a trusted point of contact. Participants meet at a convenient place (or online) and time that best suits the group. At the end of the introductory class, each participant goes through a “case-management” process and are referred to existing community-based classes where they can continue their learning, based on their individual needs and circumstances.

In the past 5 months, MCAEL has piloted two CLG classes, partnering with Identity, Inc. (10-week class, ran February – March) and Kings and Priests Court International Ministries – City of Light Helping Hands (9-week class, ran April – June). Lessons learned from these two pilots about the curriculum, pace and length of class are invaluable, and have been incorporated into plans for the next CLG classes to start in July. In post-class surveys, participants reported an increase in confidence using English, and the majority have enrolled in another class to continue their study.

In May 2021, with the help of East County-based organizations, MCAEL recruited and selected individuals from local immigrant communities to train as CLG instructors. Topics in the custom 4-week (16-hour) training program offered in May/June included: adult learning theory and principles; learner-centered teaching techniques; and online learning/teaching. Six participants successfully completed the course and will teach CLG classes to take place this summer; MCAEL will provide them with information on further TESOL training and career advice. Congratulations to Abebech Tebeje, Abiodun Olatunji, Clara Ekeke, Jocelyn Matenje, Mariame Koita, and Soffie Ceesay!

The CLG’s are a bridge to the ESOL network in Montgomery County that help expand access for learners where programming is not readily available and training for community members to teach adult ESOL, especially those that are representative of their communities. These groups will break barriers to learning by warmly handing-off new learners to local organizations, while opening new opportunities for community involvement.

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Picture of WUMCO Help's location in Poolseville, MD.

MCAEL Partner Spotlight: WUMCO Help, Inc

By Kayla Savoy • November 1, 2024

On Friday, October 25th, the MCAEL staff had the privilege of visiting WUMCO Help's facility in Poolesville, MD. What began as a quick journey to distribute our Adult English Language Program Directories turned into an insightful tour of WUMCO’s expansive ESOL classroom, designed for local residents, and their food pantry, where they provide shelf-stable goods and fresh produce to the community. Supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, community members, and local Boy Scout troops, WUMCO is committed to addressing food, language, health, and financial insecurities in Poolesville and the surrounding areas. We are proud to partner with WUMCO Help , which began with MCAEL as a Start-Up Grant recipient in 2023 and then grew to become an Access Small Grant recipient the following year. To learn more about WUMCO and the good work of all of our current Grant Partners, click here.

Leadership Change at MCAEL

By Kathy Stevens • August 29, 2024

Dear MCAEL Community: I am writing to share with you that I will be leaving MCAEL as of early October. I have accepted a position as President and CEO at the Healthcare Initiative Foundation. After 12 years of stewarding and growing the coalition, our team, and the organization’s role in the county, it is time for me to pass the torch to new leadership and pursue some new challenges of my own. MCAEL is a strong organization that has proven the value of having one entity coordinate the work of the coalition to build a diverse network of adult English language learning opportunities. With the partnership of Montgomery County government, dedicated coalition organizations, and incredible supporters and volunteers, MCAEL continues to provide much needed and much desired English classes. With an incredible staff, the organization is well positioned to continue to meet the needs of our community. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have served as MCAEL’s Executive Director. It has been rewarding to work alongside such a remarkably talented team, engaged Board members, dedicated program staff and instructors, and committed funders and supporters. While I'll miss MCAEL, the people I've worked with, and most especially the thousands of adult learners we have been able to support, I am excited to see MCAEL continue its growth and leadership in the county. The Board of Directors is meeting to identify the search process and timeline for a successor leader of MCAEL and that information will be shared as soon as practical. I will be working with the staff, board, and coalition to ensure a thoughtful and smooth transition. Thanks to you and the many other people who support MCAEL’s work, I am confident that the organization will continue to be strong and impactful. With gratitude, Kathy Stevens

Uber Impact

By Kathy Stevens • July 30, 2024

I’ve had to use Uber more in the last month than the entire last year while my car was out of commission. As you may know, the app offers you the option to indicate your comfort level with conversation. While I was trying to lean into just relaxing on the car rides and not talking much, I couldn’t help myself and quickly started conversations with my drivers. Many of my drivers were non-native English speakers, and they shared their experiences adjusting to a new country while not being comfortable with the language. Their stories echoed an all-too-common experience among immigrants in our community, who often work at jobs below their training levels. We discussed how to find English classes, should they be interested, and I was even able to connect one of my drivers to a workforce development opportunity. Sure, it would have been more convenient to have my car in working order so I could drive myself to work. But I never would have made these rewarding connections.