English as a Second Language Program
The English as a Second Language (ESL) Program serves increasingly diverse members of the York and Hanover community, with appproximately 62 countries represented in 2011-2012.
Class Room Instruction
The program offers classroom instruction in York, and Hanover with beginner to advanced levels. Additionally, one-to-one tutoring is available. The focus of the ESL program is to improve basic conversation skills and speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Students must register for all classes.
ESL Class Schedule:
ESL Daytime Intermediate - Monday and Wednesday - 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
ESL Daytime Advanced- Monday and Wednesday - 11:45 AM - 1:45 PM
ESL Daytime Pre-Literacy - Tuesday and Thursday - 9 AM - 11:30 AM
ESL Daytime Beginners - Tuesday and Thursday - 11:45 AM - 1:45 PM
ESL Evening Intermediate & Advanced - Monday and Wednesday - 7 PM - 9PM
ESL Evening Pre-Literacy & Beginners - Tuesday and Thursday - 6:30 PM - 9 PM
Conversation Class - Thursday 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Hanover Classes
Hanover ESL Multi-Level Class - Wednesday and Thursday 12 - 2:30 PM
Hanover ESL Pre-Literacy - Monday and Wednesday - 5:30 PM - 8PM
Hanover ESL Beginners - Tuesday and Thursday- 5:30 PM - 8 PM
Hanover ESL Intermediate - Monday and Wednesday - 5:30 PM - 8PM
A Success Story
*Marilyn is from Romania. Her English skills enabled her to work in a fast food restaurant in York but she did not understand American TV and was afraid to start a conversation or make a new friend. Then Marilyn met *Dana, a York County Literacy Council tutor. Dana travels for business and experienced her own communication challenges during a previous trip to China. Dana thought then it would be great to have a Chinese person to help her to learn the language so when she returned she became a volunteer tutor for English as a Second Language students at YCLC.
Marilyn and Dana worked together for two years meeting once per week. As Marilyn’s English improved a friendship grew between tutor and student. When Marilyn needed to take the summer off for a trip back to Romania because her son was getting married, she invited Dana to come and visit. Dana stayed in Marilyn’s home, ate her meals with the family, attended an Orthodox Church service, visited a street fair, and thoroughly enjoyed her trip to Romania.
Marilyn, her husband and son and daughter-in-law returned to the US. Together with a partner, they purchased a franchise restaurant in Hanover. Marilyn is managing the restaurant and working a lot of hours but thoroughly enjoys her new responsibilities as a business owner.
Dana says she likes to think her tutoring helped to boost Marilyn’s confidence and English skills and contributed to her success. We at the Literacy Council know Dana’s help and encouragement really made a difference!
Congratulations to Marilyn and Dana for their success!
*Names change for confidentiality
. 
Clasroom Instruction
ESL student visits tutor training to tell her story and to thank tutors for volunteering.
ESL Students and YCLC volunteers participate in Multicultural Day in Hanover
Visitors provide information about our community.
Students achieve citizenship!
Conversation Class
Conversation Class is for high-intermediate and advanced ESL students who would like to practice their conversation skills. To participate contact Shea Hortman at 717-845-8719 or esl@yorkliteracy.org.
Partners In Conversation
Partners in Conversation offers English conversation practice in a casual setting and fosters sharing across cultures within our own community. Volunteers are matched with an adult ESL student for two one-hour sessions with the option of continuing to meet. The matches are based on shared interests, hobbies, and experiences. To participate contact Shea Hortman at 717-845-8719 or esl@yorkliteracy.org.
Mothers learn to read to their children.
Students gather at annual Hanover picnic to celebrate achievements.
Literacy in the Workplace
Adult Basic Education & English as a Second Language Training in your workplace!
Improving Communication in the Workplace
The Literacy in the Workplace Program allows YCLC to work directly with employers to bring ESL classes and classes for adults with low-literacy skills directly to the work site. A curriculum is tailor-made for each company.
Topics included but are not limited to:
Employee/Supervisor Communications
Co-worker/Co-worker Communications
Pronunciation
Safety
Real-Work language (including vocabulary & conversation)
Literacy Skills
Conversational English
Employee benefits
Pre-GED Classes
Safer facilities! Better Communication! Enhanced Teamwork!
Increased Productivity!
Pre-GED Classes can be offered at the worksite also.