English Empowerment Center

For many of the adults who enroll, English Empowerment Center programs are their first formal education in the United States, or perhaps in any country. These adult students are not eligible for the vast majority of adult education programs, citizenship or technology classes, because these classes require basic literacy skills. EEC is the first rung on the ladder of adult education, helping 2,000 people each year take that crucial first step that will help them and their families thrive.

The English Empowerment Center serves adults learning the basic skills of reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English. By empowering individuals with the gift of literacy, EEC opens pathways that enable them to become more independent, confident, and active in their communities. Literacy makes it possible for someone to secure a better job, complete their GED, help a child with his/her homework, and fulfill the dream of becoming a citizen. Ultimately, literacy allows learners to build more rewarding lives.

This year EEC has six locations in Alexandria, and your donation will help fund expenses for the upcoming semester, such as books, scholarships, and class supplies. Thank you for your support helping beginning-level adult learners gain essential English language and literacy skills.

Literacy has empowered EEC students:

"I have young kids in elementary school in the United States. I did not know how to talk to their teachers and school administrators, I always had to call my husband to help translate. Reading to them at night, they would tell me I was making mistakes.  Taking English classes has given me more confidence and makes it easier to ask for help. The teachers and volunteers at EEC are helping me find out more about NOVA and how to get my dental certification here. Healthcare is my passion, and I want to continue helping people. I want my children to have a better life. I have big dreams for them and want them to be something." 

- Loubna, EEC Graduate

"Learning English is very good for me because it gives me many opportunities in my life, to find a better job, to be able to attend my son's school meetings and not need people to help me with translation. Also, learning English is good so I can go to the doctor's appointments or to the hospital when I have an emergency. "

-Maria, EEC Student

"Now I can drive through the bank to get or deposit money by myself, and I can pay my own bills and write a short letter in English. Especially I can play and talk with my grandkid in English."

-Kim, EEC Student

"English also helps me be more indecent. Now I can read books, understand instructions when I go everywhere. This makes me feel very strong. Most important for me, learning English gives me more opportunities. I can help my children with school subjects and have better chances for work. When I learn, I have more confidence and I am excited to keep improving."

-Zainab, EEC Student