English as a Second Language (ESL)
Close to 700 janitors and other immigrant workers graduate each year from our intensive, six-month ADVANCE program, blending Vocational English curriculum with job skills instruction. Classes are held at over 20 large, corporate worksites at the beginning of the work-shift, ensuring high attendance. ADVANCE participants are also paired with volunteer professionals and students from client corporations or universities for one-on-one English as a Second Language and literacy tutoring, bridging enormous cultural divides.
Our community-based English as a Second Language classes at union halls in San Jose, Oakland, and Los Angeles and nationally-recognized tutoring programs use a learner-centered curriculum for teaching beginning to advanced Survival English. Participants help negotiate the curriculum by letting tutors and teachers know what English and basic literacy skills they need in daily life. Participants learn to navigate community resources and to communicate with doctors, their children's teachers, and in their broader community.
English as a Second Language worksites
English as a Second Language curriculum
Read more about BSP's nationally recognized English as a Second Language program
"Between my job and family, it's hard to find time to study English. I used to be ashamed. Now, with English classes at work, I am confident talking to clients, my children's teachers, and even the doctor."
- Josefina Avalos, Janitor and BSP student in San Jose
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