• Many immigrants need to learn English to qualify for jobs and to meet the requirements of welfare reform.
  
  
• Elders and other community members need English language skills to become U.S. citizens, giving them access to various benefits and protections and the right to vote and seek office.
  
  
• Youth with limited English skills often struggle in their transition to a new language, culture, and academic expectations. They need strong role models, academic support, and guided exposure to American society.
  
  
• Preschoolers whose parents have limited English proficiency need kindergarten readiness skills.
  

Established in 1981, the Lao Family Community English Education Programs provide a range of opportunities for quality English instruction and support for people of all ages. Learning English empowers immigrants and refugees to more effectively complete daily living tasks in American society, become economically competitive, and pursue additional education.

The English Education Programs include a full range of learning opportunities for limited English-proficient individuals and families, many of who are pre-literate in their native languages. These include Family English School, Family English Evenings, Passages, Intensive English for Work, Citizenship, and Work Place English. Classes are offered at three St. Paul sites.

Enrollment and programming are open and on-going year round.

• Adult English Classes
  
  
• Intensive English for Work
  
  
• Family English School
  
  
• Family English Evenings
  
  
• GED Classes
  
  
• Citizenship Classes
  
  
• Passages
  
  
• Work Site English
  
  
• Collaborations