CELL to Launch Free ESL Classes at Family Support Center
Lee University’s Center for English Language Learning (CELL) will offer free English as a Second Language (ESL) conversation classes at the Blythe Oldfield Family Support Center on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., beginning Feb. 24.
The classes, taught by students from Lee’s School of Religion, will be available for anyone wanting to practice speaking and listening to English. Dr. Julie Martinez, director of the intercultural studies program at Lee, will sponsor the courses. Childcare will also be available during the classes.
“We are excited about the new CELL-Blythe Center ESL course as it marks the first step in our vision to provide free and accessible English courses in other parts of our community and around the world,” said Dr. Chris Blake, associate professor of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and linguistics at Lee and director of the CELL. “This spring marks the 10-year anniversary of the Lee University Center for English Language and Literacy, so it really seems fitting that the new ESL program in the Blythe Oldfield community should begin now.”
CELL-Blythe started as a partnership between Lee’s TESOL and intercultural studies programs. This new partnership is part of CELL-Blythe’s goal to provide free English instruction throughout Cleveland.
“Blythe Oldfield is among the most underserved neighborhoods in Cleveland,” said Brennan Humphreys, CELL-Blythe project coordinator and Lee alumnus. “There are already several wonderful groups carrying out patient, transformative work in the area, and we want to come alongside them in serving the residents of Blythe.”
For more information about Lee’s Center for English Language Learning, visit leecell.org or contact Dr. Chris Blake.
To register, click here.
