Fordham University

Institute of American Language & Culture

Community ESL Program

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide adult ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) classes, Digital Literacy instruction, and Leadership skills training at no cost to our neighbors in the Bronx. The IALC Community ESL Program reflects Fordham University’s immigrant heritage and Catholic values and frames our educational endeavor in the Jesuit tradition of cura personalis (care for the whole person) and educating for justice. We aim to provide a safe, formative experience that improves the quality of life of our students, their families, and communities while equipping them to advance professionally.

Programs and Services

The IALC CESL Program currently offers instruction in ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages), Digital Literacy (computer classes), and Leadership. These building blocks, supported by case management and referrals to other services and institutions, offer our participants a comprehensive and equitable educational framework.

I. Free English Classes and Conversation Workshops

Our English classes are the core of the program. Our model brings the students’ needs and goals to the center of the educational process by offering intensive and practical instruction in English.

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II. Free Digital Literacy Classes

These classes support students to develop their computer literacy skills through hands-on practice using software and application that are pertinent to their personal goals and environment.

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III. Values & Faith-Based Leadership Program

This 10-month program, offered in collaboration with Fordham’s Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education, welcomes bilingual Latinas who have been recognized as leaders and are enthusiastic about enhancing their leadership skills to serve their communities.

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Our Results

Since its inception in 2018, the IALC CESL Program has served more than 700 culturally and linguistically diverse adult learners; this has been made possible with funding from the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation (MCHF), and private contributions (click here if you wish to donate to the IALC Community ESL Program).

Our students come from the Bronx and other boroughs. As a result of their motivation, resilience, and hard work, after just one semester of instruction, more than 80% have demonstrated an improvement of at least one language proficiency level (New York State’s benchmark is 51%). This translates into better opportunities for continued education and in the workforce.